Customer Development Manager

Caldic North America; Elgin (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Caldic North America is seeking a Customer Development Manager in a hybrid role based in the Chicago area. You will lead all aspects of the sales process for key accounts, developing strategies, building value propositions, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to drive growth.

The ideal candidate has 5–15 years in ingredient sales, strong communication, and a proven track record of profitable sales growth.

Qualifications

• 5–15 years of ingredient sales experience
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams to execute customer strategies
• Excellent account management and client relationship skills
• Experience in pricing, forecasting, and sales projections

Responsibilities

• Develop a sales strategy aligned with Caldic's goals
• Set and execute budget targets
• Create and deliver sales presentations to customers
• Prospect for new accounts via media, trade shows, and cold calls
• Prioritize product placement for high-volume, profitable positioning
• Meet and exceed sales quotas and service standards
• Forecast long-range account sales, communicate with management
• Collaborate with procurement on pricing and costs
• Provide technical support to customers

Skills

Sales experience

Strategic selling

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Proactive

Technical understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

PowerPoint

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Customer Development Manager

Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

About the Role

Position function: Reporting to the National Commercial Director, the individual will be responsible to lead all aspects of the Sales process for our key accounts.

Scope

The Customer Development Manager (CDM) is responsible for promoting the company’s products as sales professionals to all existing and prospective accounts. Current accounts include but are not limited to the following market segments: human nutrition (bars, beverage, gummies and supplements), Bakery and Savory. The position will develop and maintain productive working relationships with customers that allow sales and marketing goals to be achieved focusing on value-add products. The individual will conduct sales calls to seek the placement of strategic products in high volume areas. Ensure that customers are satisfied with products and services. The individual will make recommendations to management regarding product development, pricing, and sales projections.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a stratetgy and Sales approach to align with Caldic’s Strategy, Products and Capabilities with potential Customers within the Industry
• Be responsible for setting and executing stretch budget targets that are aligned with the Organizations objectives
• Create and deliver sales presentations to prospective Customers – aligning Caldic’s offerings to their needs
• Prospect for new accounts utilizing media, trade shows and cold calls to grow the existing business.
• Prioritize product placement to ensure strategic high volume and profitable positioning
• Attend training when reuired and available
• Meet and exceed established quotas and sales goals
• Ensure that sales accounts are serviced in accordance with Company standards and policies
• Forecast long range account sales (sales, volume, margin) and product needs, and communicate related information regularly to management
• Work with procurement to calculate product costs and set pricing for products
• Provide technical support to customers using the various tools and resources provided

Skills

• College degree in Business, Food Science or Equivalency is a strong asset
• 5-15 years of ingredient sales experience required with a preference for functional and technical ingredients preferred
• Outstanding follow-up skills, including samples, quotes, technical data packages, presentations, etc.
• Ability to ask great questions to identify needs of our customers and link them to value added, innovative solutions
• Strong communication skills, both external and internal
• Understanding of Company product positioning and competitive conditions
• Sales and marketing proficiency
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills
• A strong track record of success (profitable sales growth)
• Good leadership skills
• Well organized with strong time management abilities
• A great team member, with ability to lead cross functional teams to execute Customer strategies
• Take the initiative, can work with little supervision
• Good computer skills in windows environment (power point, excel, word, outlook, etc.)
• High Growth mindset- both in personal and business

About Caldic

At Caldic, we’re a global leader in distribution solutions, serving diverse markets across the world. Joining us means becoming part of an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and innovation-driven team.

We Offer

• Global opportunities with rapid career growth and development
• An inclusive, diverse, and dynamic work environment
• The chance to shape the future of specialty ingredient solutions across industries like food, pharma, personal care, and more

We operate in 43 countries around the world. Our innovative solutions are tailored to meet the needs of industries such as food, pharma, personal care, and industrial markets, ensuring sustainable success for all stakeholders. To learn more, visit: www.caldic.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caldic celebrates diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, or any other characteristic.

Location:
Elgin, US
City: Elgin
State: IL
Country/Region: US