Sales Account Manager (C-Store)

Sales Account ManagerPrimary Location: Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of AmericaAt Solina, our community of close to 5,000 people share a passion for food and live our entrepreneurial culture.We design customized savory solutions for our clients operating in the food industry, food service, butchery and nutrition markets. With sustainability at the heart of our business model, we aim to produce food that is good in every sense of the word: delicious, nourishing, affordable, sustainable and convenient.Solina is a fast-growing business, with around 50 production sites and R&D laboratories present in more than 19 countries mainly in Europe and North America.By constantly rethinking culinary solutions, we make food matter for people and the planet.If you're ready for a new adventure in a dynamic, expanding, passionate, international company, join us!Solina USA is a proud Solina Group company, specializing in the creation of customized seasonings and sauces. With four strategically located production facilities across the United States, we deliver high-quality, innovative flavor solutions efficiently and reliably. We serve Quick Service Restaurants, fast-casual and casual-dining chains, and food manufacturers, providing exceptional flavor solutions tailored to their unique needs. Solina USA has earned a strong national reputation for delivering an outstanding customer experience, offering high-quality products at cost-competitive price points. We build dynamic partnerships that allow our creativity to shine through our customers' culinary vision — making "Food Matter."Summary Of PositionTo support the growth of our U.S. business, we are seeking a motivated and results-driven Sales Account Manager to manage and expand relationships with key customers while actively developing new business opportunities. This role will focus on promoting and selling customized seasonings and sauces that deliver exceptional flavor solutions.The successful candidate will work closely with customers primarily in the snack and club segments, which represent key areas of business development, with potential involvement in industrial or QSR customers depending on business needs. The ideal candidate will have experience in food and beverage sales cycles, a strong understanding of customized solutions, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to meet customer needs.Reporting to the Director of Sales, Emerging Markets, this role will be instrumental in achieving sales targets and strengthening the company's position as a trusted flavor solutions provider.Essential FunctionsManage and grow relationships with key accounts across assigned segments, ensuring strategic alignment and long-term value creation.Proactively identify, develop, and close new business opportunities to expand the customer base and support overall growth objectives.Own and manage the full sales pipeline, from lead generation through closing, ensuring timely advancement of opportunities.Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer, opportunity, and forecasting data within the company CRM system to support visibility and decision-making.Support contract discussions and negotiations alongside the Director of Sales to secure profitable, long-term partnerships.Collaborate closely with the Director of Sales and cross-functional teams (e.g., R&D, Business Management, Operations) to align customer needs with product capabilities, technical feasibility, and market trends.Leverage customer insights, sales data, and market intelligence to inform sales strategies and identify emerging opportunities.Deliver exceptional customer service by ensuring prompt, effective resolution of issues and maintain high customer satisfaction and retention.Prepare and present sales reports, forecasts, and account updates to the Director of Sales and other key stakeholders.Represent the company at trade shows, customer visits, conferences, and industry events to strengthen brand visibility and build professional relationships.Serve as a liaison between customers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of customized solutions that meet or exceed expectations.Perform any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.Required Skills, Education, And ExperienceAny combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field.Minimum of 3-5 years of sales experience in the food industry, with a focus on customized solutions such as seasonings, sauces, or similar products.C-Store experience strongly preferred.Demonstrated ability to manage and grow customer accounts in the food processing or manufacturing sector.Preferred QualificationsStrong relationship management skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with key customers.Knowledge of food and beverage applications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations to clients and internal stakeholders.Proactive and results-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and CRM systems preferred.Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.Willingness to travel up to 30-40% of the time to meet with clients, attend trade shows, and support sales activities.Supervisory Responsibility: NoTravel Requirements: 30-40%Special Requirements: Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.Solina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or a person's relationship or association with a protected veteran, including spouses and other family members, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity Posters. If you have a disability and you believe you need reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free View phone number on click.appcast.io.Salary Range: $100,000-130,000We are open to talents of all backgrounds. Our recruitment process is based on competences, and we openly welcome all candidates of all types according to our DEI Commitment