Technical Sales Representative – Food Ingredients (Midwest Preferred)

Technical Sales Representative – Food Ingredients (Midwest Preferred) Location: Remote (Midwest strongly preferred; must reside near a major U.S. airport) Travel: 30–50% (approx. 50% in Year 1) Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Technical Sales Representative to manage our customer base within the Midwest for the food industry. This is a mid-career role ideally suited for professionals with 5+ years of direct B2B sales experience selling functional food ingredients (not commodity ingredients) to food and beverage manufacturers. The ideal candidate will bring both technical expertise and commercial acumen, enabling them to support customers with application questions, troubleshoot technical challenges, and drive sales growth across strategic accounts. This role requires a polished, professional individual who can confidently represent the company through both technical credibility and professional presence.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management & Business Development

• Manage, grow, and retain customer relationships within the assigned territory.
• Identify, qualify, and convert new business opportunities across:
• Flavor manufacturers
• Protein manufacturers
• CPG food companies
• Dairy/cheese ingredient manufacturers
• Bakery ingredient companies and commercial bakeries
• Meat processors
• Consistently achieve or exceed sales targets for functional food ingredient solutions.

Technical Sales & Customer Support

• Provide application-based technical support to customers, including product selection, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Recommend ingredient solutions and manage sample delivery and follow-up.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, product development teams, and food scientists at customer organizations.
• Deliver clear, accurate technical information in customer meetings, virtual calls, and presentations.

Sales Operations & Reporting

• Lead all stages of the sales process from prospecting to closing.
• Maintain accurate forecasts for inventory and production planning.
• Track opportunities using CRM tools, complete call reports, and update customer files regularly.
• Provide insights into customer volume expectations and annual demand planning.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Candidates must hold a technical bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
• Food Science
• Chemistry
• Chemical Engineering
• Microbiology
• Degrees outside these fields (e.g., journalism, economics, animal science, general nutrition) are not considered relevant unless accompanied by one of the required technical degrees.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of direct B2B sales experience with functional food ingredients for:
• Ingredient manufacturers
• CPG food companies
• Flavor, dairy, bakery, meat, or protein-focused manufacturers
• Proven success selling value-added or functional ingredients (not commodities).
• Experience providing customer-facing technical support, including processing, formulation, or application troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a remote environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Professional demeanor and appearance; represents the company with polish and confidence.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with contacts ranging from technical staff to executives.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing a diverse workload.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams/Zoom, and LinkedIn.

Travel Requirements

• 50% travel during Year 1 (training and territory immersion).
• Midwest-based candidates typically travel ~30% after Year 1.
• Candidates outside the Midwest will maintain 40–50% travel ongoing.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and proper insurance required.
• Ability to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events.

Location Requirements

• Midwest preferred, ideally near a major airport (e.g., Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville).
• Candidates outside the Midwest will be considered, but must live near a major U.S. airport and be willing to travel at higher frequencies.

Compensation

• Competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Please apply through the career in Food link; the applicant must attach a resume to be considered for the position. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job