Role Overview for Technical Sales Director (B2B Ingredients) – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the Food & Beverage and Ingredients sectors, is proud to partner with a leading global innovator in B2B food and beverage ingredients to identify a highly accomplished and results-driven Technical Sales Director. This pivotal full-time position is based in the vibrant economic hub of Chicago, IL, and represents an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to significantly impact our client’s market presence and growth trajectory within the North American food ingredient landscape.
Our client is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and delivering high-quality, functional ingredients that empower food and beverage manufacturers to create innovative and healthier products. From flavor systems and texturizers to nutritional compounds and specialty proteins, their portfolio addresses the evolving demands of consumers and the complex needs of the industry.
As the Technical Sales Director, you will serve as a critical bridge between advanced scientific formulations and commercial success. You will be responsible for defining and executing a robust sales strategy, driving new business development, and nurturing strategic relationships with key accounts across various segments, including dairy, bakery, confectionery, savory, and beverage.
This role demands a unique blend of deep technical understanding of food science and ingredients, coupled with exceptional commercial acumen and a proven track record in B2B sales leadership. You will not merely sell products; you will provide solutions, insights, and technical expertise that help clients innovate and optimize their offerings.
This is more than a sales role; it’s a strategic leadership position where your expertise will directly contribute to shaping the future of food. You will be instrumental in identifying emerging market trends, translating complex technical information into compelling value propositions, and fostering long-term partnerships that drive sustainable revenue growth. If you are passionate about the intersection of food science, technology, and business development, and thrive in a dynamic, high-impact environment, we invite you to explore this unparalleled opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Technical Sales Director (B2B Ingredients) – Chicago, IL
Strategic Sales Leadership & Business Development
- Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives, focusing on expanding market share and achieving aggressive revenue targets within the B2B food ingredient sector in North America.
- Identify and actively pursue new business opportunities, meticulously prospecting and qualifying potential clients that align with the company’s strategic growth areas.
- Lead the entire sales cycle from initial contact and needs assessment through technical solution development, proposal generation, negotiation, and contract closing.
- Craft and deliver compelling presentations to C-suite executives, R&D teams, and procurement departments, articulating the technical benefits and commercial value of our client’s ingredient portfolio.
Key Account Management & Relationship Building
- Manage and grow a portfolio of strategic key accounts, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor.
- Cultivate deep, long-lasting relationships with decision-makers at all levels within client organizations, understanding their product development pipelines, strategic goals, and ingredient needs.
- Conduct regular business reviews with key clients to assess performance, identify areas for improvement, and explore new growth opportunities.
- Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and retention through proactive communication, problem-solving, and exceptional service.
Technical Expertise & Solution Selling
- Possess a profound understanding of food science, ingredient functionality (e.g., emulsifiers, stabilizers, sweeteners, proteins, flavors, colors), application areas, and processing technologies.
- Collaborate closely with internal R&D, applications, and technical support teams to develop customized ingredient solutions that address specific client challenges and product development goals.
- Provide expert technical guidance to clients, assisting them in ingredient selection, formulation optimization, and troubleshooting application issues.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape, leveraging this knowledge to position our client’s offerings strategically.
Market Analysis & Insights
- Conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify emerging market trends in the food ingredient industry, new product categories, and competitive activities. This includes understanding shifts in consumer preferences towards health, wellness, sustainability, and specific dietary needs.
- Translate market insights into actionable sales strategies and contribute to product development roadmaps by identifying unmet market needs and opportunities for innovation.
- Monitor and report on market conditions, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform strategic business decisions.
Forecasting & Reporting
- Develop accurate sales forecasts, budgets, and sales plans, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Track and analyze sales performance against targets, providing regular reports and actionable insights to senior management.
- Utilize CRM software effectively to manage sales pipelines, track customer interactions, and maintain accurate client records.
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership
- Work seamlessly with marketing to develop compelling sales collateral, case studies, and promotional materials.
- Collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to ensure timely product delivery and address any logistical challenges.
- Participate in industry trade shows, conferences, and networking events to represent the company and generate leads.
Requirements for the Technical Sales Director (B2B Ingredients) – Chicago, IL
Education & Technical Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related scientific or technical field is required. A Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage.
- Demonstrated deep technical understanding of various B2B food ingredients, their functionalities, applications, and market dynamics.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in B2B technical sales, business development, or key account management within the food and beverage ingredient industry.
- Proven track record of consistently exceeding sales targets and driving significant revenue growth in a competitive market.
- Experience managing complex sales cycles and negotiating high-value contracts with major food and beverage manufacturers.
- Strong existing network within the North American food ingredient industry is a distinct advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional Communication & Presentation Skills: Ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-suite executives.
Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
Capacity to develop and execute long-term sales strategies, identify market opportunities, and understand the broader business implications of sales decisions.
Negotiation & Persuasion
Highly skilled in complex negotiations, capable of closing deals while maintaining strong client relationships.
Customer-Centric Approach
A genuine passion for understanding customer needs and delivering tailored solutions that create mutual value.
Leadership & Influence
While not a direct people management role, the ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead strategic initiatives is crucial.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Strong ability to analyze market data, identify trends, and troubleshoot technical challenges.
CRM Proficiency
Proficient in using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce) for pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30-50% within North America as required for client meetings, industry events, and internal collaborations.
Industry Knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of the North American food and beverage market, including key players, regulatory environment (e.g., FDA, USDA), and consumer trends.
- Familiarity with various ingredient categories such as flavors, colors, sweeteners, starches, hydrocolloids, proteins, functional ingredients, and nutraceuticals.
- Understanding of food processing technologies and how ingredients interact within different applications.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees as its greatest asset and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security. This includes:
Competitive Compensation Package
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience, combined with a robust, performance-based bonus and commission structure that rewards outstanding achievement.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Financial Security
A strong 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions to help you build a secure financial future.
Paid Time Off
Ample vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance and personal rejuvenation.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, professional training, and career advancement within a dynamic and growing global organization. This includes support for attending industry conferences, workshops, and further education relevant to food science or sales leadership.
Work-Life Integration
A supportive work environment that values flexibility and recognizes the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life.
Relocation Assistance
For exceptional candidates relocating to the Chicago area, relocation support may be provided.
Company Culture
Join a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture where your contributions are recognized and valued. Work with a team of passionate professionals dedicated to shaping the future of food.
How to Apply
If you are a highly motivated and experienced Technical Sales Director with a passion for B2B food ingredients and a proven track record of driving sales excellence, we encourage you to apply. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a market leader and make a significant impact on their continued success.
To express your interest and be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments through the JRG Partners application portal. In your cover letter, please highlight your specific experience in B2B ingredient sales, your technical understanding of food science, and your strategic approach to market development.
JRG Partners is committed to connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise aligns with the requirements of this pivotal role. For more insights into our specialized recruitment services in this sector, please visit our Food & Beverage Recruitment Practice Area page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
