Industry: Manufacturer
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Salary: $55-75K(DOE)
Visa Sponsor: No
Language: English: Native Level, Japanese: Conversation Level
Detail: Inside Sales Representative (Food Ingredient Manufacturer)
Japanese Food Ingredient Manufacturer is seeking Inside Sales in Elk Grove Village, IL!
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactively research, identify, and engage potential accounts through outbound outreach, inbound lead qualification, and targeted prospecting across multiple channels (phone, email, digital/social media, industry events).
- Qualify leads based on predefined criteria, uncovering business needs, decision-maker roles, buying timelines, and key challenges specific to food and beverage manufacturers or brands. Initiate and nurture positive relationships with relevant stakeholders, effectively communicating the company’s unique value propositions, product applications, and benefits.
- Manage in-house accounts by developing relationships with key personas and attend to customer requests (ie. Samples, tech docs, etc.) to ensure effective account coverage.
- Collaborate closely with distribution partner’s sales team members, MAI Marketing, and Sales Enablement to align messaging, share market intelligence, and continuously refine outreach strategies.
- Accurately maintain prospect and activity records in CRM systems, ensuring data quality, timely follow-up, and transparency for the broader commercial team.
- Stay informed about food ingredient industry innovations, regulatory considerations, and competitor shifts to engage prospects with credibility and insight.
Qualifications:
- Min over 4-5 years in inside sales or sales support roles. Experience in food ingredients is major plus.
- BS Degree. Food science degree a major plus but not necessary
- Minimum travel: Local tradeshows (primarily regional IFT Supplier Events and some customer visits locally when necessary)
Salary range: $55,000 ~ $75,000/year (depending on experience) plus ~15% of potential bonus
- Full-time in office (Corporate Office – Elk Grove Village, IL : 8am-5pm)
- Reports to Director of Distribution Partners
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent written and oral skills (Native level), presentation proficiency, professional presence, fearless on the phone!
- Tech Knowledge: MS suite of software, Salesforce (heavy use in this position – any demonstrated certifications/proficiency is a major plus), LinkedIn.
Benefits:
- Health Insurance, Dental (employee = 10%)
- 401K plan available after first year.
