Category Development Manager (Beverage)

Synergy Flavors, Inc; Wauconda (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergy Flavors, Inc is seeking a Category Development Manager – Beverage in Wauconda, Illinois. This role involves leading the commercial strategy and growth initiatives within the Beverage sector, targeting new customers and opportunities through market insights.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in product management or marketing in the food ingredient industry. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring in-office presence three days a week.

Salary is set between $100,000 and $135,000 based on various factors.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of job-related experience in product management, marketing, and/or sales.
• Direct beverage industry experience with marketing ingredients is a plus.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial strategy and growth of Synergy’s Beverage business.
• Identify and convert new beverage customers and opportunities.
• Serve as the commercial lead for the Beverage innovation pipeline.

Skills

Customer-centric

Strong commercial and solution-selling skills

Compelling communicator

Highly effective networker

Leads through influence

Strong analytical mindset

Deep understanding of flavor and food ingredient marketplace

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing or Food Science

Master’s Degree

Job description

Roles and Responsibilities

The Category Development Manager – Beverage leads the commercial strategy and growth of Synergy’s Beverage business. The role focuses on identifying, targeting, and converting new beverage customers and growth opportunities through deep consumer, customer, and market trend insights.

• Identify attractive beverage market segments and growth platforms by assessing market landscape, competitive offerings, and Synergy capabilities; communicate capability gaps to R&D and senior leadership.
• Identify and explore new business models, strategic partnerships, and external collaborations that expand Synergy’s role in the beverage ecosystem and accelerate growth opportunities.
• Translate consumer, customer, and industry trend data into actionable insights, value propositions, and beverage product recommendations.
• Serve as the commercial lead for the Beverage innovation pipeline, partnering with technical teams to prioritize, advance, and commercialize new beverage solutions, technologies, and platforms.

Collaborate with Sales and Marketing on pipeline generation programs, demand creation, and go‑to‑market initiatives. Develop sales enablement tools, messaging, and training that support customer engagement. Act as the voice of the customer and market to inform opportunity prioritization, pricing strategy, investment decisions, and resource allocation. Partner with Account Managers, Sales Directors, and VP Sales to develop and execute strategies for target beverage accounts and new account conversion. Serve as the external subject‑matter expert for Synergy’s Beverage business with customers, prospects, and at industry events. Engage with global colleagues to share best practices and align strategy.

Required Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing (with strong technical acumen) or Food Science, Chemistry; Master’s Degree is a plus.

• Direct beverage industry experience with marketing ingredients to beverage companies is a plus.
• 8+ years of job‑related experience in product management, marketing, and/or sales in the food ingredients and/or flavor industry.
• Experience in new product development from conception to market launch.
• Experience in leading cross‑functional teams to execute strategies.

Required Skills

• Customer‑centric, high‑energy self‑starter who thrives in external engagement, industry forums, and collaborative environments.
• Strong commercial and solution‑selling skills with a track record of identifying opportunities, engaging customers, and converting them into growth.
• Compelling communicator with executive presence; able to sell ideas, insights, and value propositions to customers, partners, and senior leaders.
• Highly effective networker and relationship builder who connects customers, market insights, and internal capabilities to create new opportunities.
• Leads through influence, aligning cross‑functional teams and driving action without formal authority.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn consumer and market data into clear customer recommendations and business decisions.
• Deep understanding of the flavor and food ingredient marketplace and competitive landscape.

Role is onsite 3 days per week with up to 30% travel to support customer engagement and industry presence.

Salary Range: $100,000 – $135,000. Compensation will depend on geography, skills, education, experience, and other relevant factors.

This role will remain open until filled.

Department: Marketing and Business Development
Location: Wauconda, Illinois
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Reporting To: Associate Director of Business Development

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.