Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Account Manager to lead the growth and management of assigned customer accounts within our Taste & Flavor division. This role combines strategic account management with solution-oriented selling and cross-functional collaboration, leveraging the full breadth of dairy-based products and services. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can develop strong customer relationships, identify business opportunities, and drive value for the customer, our organization, and the end consumer.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage territory like a business owner, utilizing a consultative sales approach to identify and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Develop deep, strategic relationships with customers by understanding their business needs, insights, and market strategies.
• Leverage data, market intelligence, and DFA’s segmentation tools to allocate time and resources effectively.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to develop tailored solutions aligned with customer and consumer needs.
• Identify high-impact growth opportunities and guide them through to commercialization, optimizing return on investment.
• Create and manage customer account plans and maintain regular reporting on sales results, forecasts, and strategic priorities.
• Provide demand forecasts to support supply chain and production planning.
• Drive business development by identifying new sales opportunities within existing and potential accounts.
• Deliver compelling sales presentations and product demonstrations in collaboration with Marketing.
• Stay informed on industry trends and use insights to foster meaningful conversations with customers.
• Resolve customer issues quickly and transparently, partnering with internal teams to ensure exceptional service.
• Build multi-level customer relationships across departments such as R&D, marketing, and quality assurance.
• Maximize CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce.com) and tools like PowerBI to manage pipelines and track performance.
• Align commercial terms including pricing, NDAs, and payment terms in coordination with internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales, marketing, food science, or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 3+ years of experience in a customer-facing sales, sales support, or account management role, preferably in the food or dairy industry.
• Proven ability to grow accounts and deliver customer-focused solutions.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong business acumen and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to manage complex customer pipelines.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and business intelligence tools (e.g., PowerBI).
• Ability to navigate and contribute to cross-functional teams to drive business objectives.