Sales Support Specialist

ofi; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time from Day 1

Paid Sick Leave

Company Paid Holidays

401K Match on Day 1

Career Growth and Learning

Job summary

ofi is seeking a Sales Support Specialist to back the VP of Sales and the team, driving effective sales operations for our spices business. The role emphasizes collaboration with Product Line Managers, cross-functional planning, and ensuring excellent customer service while identifying cross-selling opportunities across internal units.

The ideal candidate has a business or related degree, 2+ years in sales support within CPG or Foodservice, and strong data-driven insight into sales trends and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of sales support experience in CPG or Foodservice.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret sales data and trends.

Responsibilities

• Support VP of Sales and sales team with essential operations.
• Coordinate pricing and annual quotation processes with internal inputs.
• Maintain proactive customer engagement via communications and meetings.
• Collaborate with finance on sales reporting, trade investments, and accounts receivable.
• Assist in bid submissions and customer portal data entry.
• Represent sales in supply chain and forecast meetings.

Skills

Sales forecasting

Go-to-market strategy

Data analytics

Budgeting

Performance tracking

Distributors/Brokers knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Job description

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

Description

ofi is a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions. Through our core ingredient platforms that we’re known for globally – cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices – we partner with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice operators worldwide to help meet evolving consumer needs.

With deep roots in origin countries and close relationships with farmers, we help deliver quality, traceability, transparency, and resilient supply chains.

By combining sourcing expertise, market knowledge, innovation, and technical capabilities, we create value for customers while driving positive impact for people and the planet.

Together, ofi employees advance our Purpose: to be the change for good food and a healthy future.

Position Summary

ofi values in-person collaboration with colleagues – employees are expected to work their specific work schedule on site at their ofi location.

The Sales Support Specialist will be a customer-focused professional responsible for sales processes and ensuring client satisfaction. The role involves assisting the VP of Sales and the extended sales team by providing essential support for effective sales operations. Reporting to the Vice President of Sales, the Sales Support Specialist will be responsible for working in Spices to develop and implement strategies that drive the business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a strong business acumen with strategic analytical skills and work effectively in a team, as well as individually to promote and grow the business. They should be able to collaborate and think creatively about new solutions and opportunities. The ability to manage multiple competing demands in a complex and ever evolving environment

What You’ll Do - Position Responsibilities

• Oversee and enhance customer interactions across various ofi departments.
• Actively involve internal stakeholders to carry out plans, solve problems, and offer solutions that meet customers' expectations including regular engagement with Product Line Managers.
• Implementation of ofi information in key customers’ systems.
• Support customer requests for pricing and annual quotation processes by coordinating internal inputs and following customer submission needs.
• Understand the customers’ individual needs for improved product suggestions and service quality and track cross-selling opportunities across internal business units.
• Address customer issues by investigating and resolving them, offering insights to aid team growth and improvement.
• Ensure proactive customer engagement via prompt communication, video calls, and face-to-face interactions when suitable.
• Collaborate with finance to improve sales reporting methods, and support sales in effective management of trade investments, broker investments, accounts receivables, and credit.
• Play an instrumental role in constructing customer-focused strategic reviews and plans.
• Represent sales in the supply chain and forecast meetings and engage internal and external partners in product availability updates and customer requirements.
• Forge strong bonds with both internal and external partners.
• Facilitate better communication within and outside the company, employing excellent communication abilities.
• Participate in trade shows and relevant customer conferences.
• Bid Coordinator: Support customer portal data entry and coordinate the gathering of required inputs from cross-functional groups to ensure timely and complete bid submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience You’ll Bring – Role Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, sales, or a related field strongly preferred.
• One to three years of progressive support experience required; 2+ years of sales support experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods or Foodservice Channels strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in sales forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Strong analytic skills with the ability to interpret sales data and market trends
• Performance driven with desire to take on a high level of responsibility and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of go-to-market strategy for innovation including distributors, brokers, and direct shipment models.
• Travel: This role may require up to 10% travel to other worksite locations, suppliers, customers, or business events.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

ofi provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that is designed to support your career, health, and future. Build a Rewarding Career at ofi!

The pay for this role ranges from $64,000 - $70.000 annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.

Performance-based Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact, for eligible roles.

Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.

A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.

Family Support: Paid parental leave, Fertility benefits and lactation support, including milk shipping for traveling employees.

Additional Perks That Make a Difference

• Vacation time from Day 1 – Your time off starts accruing immediately, growing with your tenure.
• Paid Sick Leave – Rest, recover, and return strong – with paid sick leave on ofi.
• Company Paid Holidays – ofi values work-life balance and the importance of celebrating life’s special moments.
• 401K Match on Day 1 – Invest in your future with our competitive retirement savings program.
• Career Growth and Learning – Join a company committed to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.

ofi provides equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us for support at: [email protected]

At ofi, we celebrate our diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.