Sales Professional / Food Scientist

Ravago Americas; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravago Americas is seeking a Sales Professional / Food Scientist with a strong food science background to drive growth in food, beverage, dairy, and nutraceutical markets. You will partner with customers to expand existing accounts and win new business by translating technical benefits into practical value.

The role requires field account management, cross-functional collaboration with R&D, QA, and procurement, and regular travel to client sites and trade shows to showcase Ravago's capabilities.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a relevant field is required.
• 3+ years of sales experience in specialty ingredients for food, beverage, nutrition and dairy manufacturers.
• Knowledge of food, beverage, dairy, vitamins, and nutraceutical markets with understanding of ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Grow revenue by expanding existing accounts and sourcing new customers within food, beverage, dairy, and vitamins supplement industries.
• Develop networks for multi-level selling to buying influences including procurement, CS, marketing/product management, R&D, and QA.
• Manage project cycles from lead generation to sales closure.
• Understand customer needs and market dynamics to become a go-to expert for your customers.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows and functions.

Skills

Sales/Account Management

Negotiation

Customer service

Communication

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Education

BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office Suite

LinkedIn

Job description

Objective / Purpose

The Sales Professional / Food Scientist will have a food science background and knowledge and experience selling food, beverage, and dairy applications. The selected candidate will be responsible for working in partnership with customers to grow sales and deepen accounts within food, dairy, confectionery, and beverage industries

Areas of Responsibility / Tasks

Performance must reflect appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below

1. Practices the principles of food safety, quality, and continuous improvement under the GFSI guidelines and follows established cGMP practices.
2. Grow revenue by developing existing accounts and sourcing new customers within the Functional Food, Beverage, Dairy, and Vitamins Supplement industries.
3. Establish and maintain strong customer relationships.
4. Manage project cycles from lead generation to sales closure.
5. Thoroughly understand customer needs and market dynamics to become a go-to expert for your customers.
6. Develop networks within companies for multi-level selling to the buying influences.
7. Develop and maintain strong client multi-level relationships with key decision makers including procurement, customer service, marketing/product management, R&D, and quality assurance.
8. Development of sales territory in line with the agreed annual sales budget and forecasting to ensure the budget is achieved.
9. Generate new business and solicit new customers and product opportunities with new clients.
10. Continually monitor and appraise emerging products or trends to identify and report on business opportunities in targeted markets.
11. Work closely with customers, to be supportive and helpful while retaining confidentially and implementing agreed product strategies.
12. Liaising with colleagues internally to keep updated with developments regarding open orders, pending samples against orders, quotations, shipment follow up, etc.
13. Provide visit reports with detailed information of items discussed, competitive information and industry developments.
14. Represent company at industry related trade shows and functions.
15. Identify opportunities with customers where Company can offer technology solutions that add real value.
16. Digital Acumen with excellent computers skills using CRM and Microsoft products.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Not Applicable

Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)

To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.

1. Must be self-motivated, work well independently and be organized.
2. Communicates effectively with all levels of management, personnel and customers.
3. Successfully manages/prioritizes multiple projects within conflicting operational demands
4. Possesses outstanding customer service skills.
5. Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
6. Works independently.
7. Self-directed, well-organized, and demonstrates initiative.
8. Balances accurately within tight deadline constraints.
9. Strong analytical and problem identification/resolution skills.
10. Attentive to detail, thorough with minimal errors.
11. Ability to maintain a high level of visual attention and mental concentration for significant periods of time.
12. Ability to manipulate necessary office equipment, computers, and peripherals.
13. Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
14. Digital Acumen - excellent computer skills using CRM, LinkedIn and Microsoft products.
15. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications

1. Education:
   1. BS degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Business Administration, or related field.
2. Experience:
   1. 3 plus years of sales experience, specialty ingredients to food, beverage, nutrition and dairy manufacturers.
   2. Knowledge and experience within the food, beverage, dairy, vitamins, and nutraceutical markets, with an understanding of specialty and nutritional ingredients and their applications.
   3. Must have a strong understanding of nutritional ingredients and excellent negotiating skills.
   4. Ability to discuss technical concepts with R&D and convey features and benefits.
3. Systems Experience:
   1. Proficient in CRM
   2. Microsoft suite: Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint
4. Language:
   1. Proficiency in English required