Sales Support Specialist

Our client is a highly respected and financially strong global food manufacturer is seeking a high-potential commercial professional to support one of the most recognizable quick-service restaurant systems in the world. This is not a traditional sales role. This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys the intersection of customer strategy, project management, analytics, commercialization, supply chain coordination, and relationship management within a highly complex foodservice environment. The organization is looking for someone with strong business acumen, analytical capability, and executive presence who can grow into a long-term business leadership role over time. Why This Role Stands Out Direct Exposure to a Major Global QSR Brand This individual will work closely with one of the largest and most recognizable restaurant systems in the world, supporting highly visible product launches, commercialization initiatives, and customer programs across North America. Leadership is intentionally seeking someone with long-term growth potential who can eventually evolve into a broader commercial leadership position within the organization. Highly Collaborative & Cross-Functional This role operates at the center of Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Commercialization, Product Development, and Customer Strategy. Stable, Values-Driven Organization The company has an exceptional reputation, strong culture, long employee tenure, and a collaborative leadership team focused on long-term growth and development. What You’ll Own Support customer-facing commercial initiatives tied to national product launches, promotions, and limited-time offers Partner closely with leadership on customer strategy, execution, and commercialization activities Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and communication across multiple manufacturing facilities and internal teams Assist in managing complex product rollouts from concept through commercialization Analyze sales performance, product movement, pricing trends, and business data to support decision-making Build reporting, dashboards, and presentations that help leadership and customers understand business performance Support ongoing communication with customer teams regarding timelines, product readiness, supply considerations, and launch execution Work cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Finance, Marketing, and Project Management teams Help organize and interpret large amounts of business data into actionable insights and recommendations Participate in customer meetings, business reviews, and commercialization discussions Develop a deep understanding of food manufacturing operations, supply chain complexity, and customer systems Ideal Background 5–10 years of experience in food manufacturing, foodservice, CPG, commercial strategy, sales support, account management, business analytics, or commercialization Experience supporting large customer accounts or complex foodservice/QSR environments strongly preferred Strong Excel, reporting, and analytical skills including pivot tables and data analysis Comfortable managing multiple moving pieces within a fast-paced commercial environment Strong communication and relationship-building skills Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority High level of organization, accountability, and follow-through Strong business maturity with long-term growth potential Food manufacturing experience strongly preferred Additional Highlights Hybrid schedule with downtown Chicago office exposure Exposure to large-scale commercialization and supply chain operations Opportunity to learn directly from experienced commercial leadership Strong compensation, benefits, and long-term advancement potential #J-18808-Ljbffr