Junior Sales Manager

???? Greater Chicago Area ???? International EnvironmentAre you a recent graduate or early-career professional who is curious, ambitious, and excited to build a career in sales?Do you enjoy talking to people, building relationships, learning about new industries, and turning opportunities into results?If so, this could be a great opportunity to join Meelunie, a global leader in plant-based food ingredients, and build a career in an international B2B environment.About the companyMeelunie America is part of Meelunie BV, a global supplier of plant-based food ingredients, including starches and proteins, for a broad range of food applications.With more than 150 years of experience, operations in over 100 countries, and a global team of more than 100 employees, Meelunie is a worldwide leader in plant-based ingredients.As the company continues to grow in North America, we are looking for a motivated Junior Sales Manager to help expand our food-ingredient portfolio and build long-term customer relationships.What You'll Be DoingThis is more than a traditional entry-level sales role. You'll have the opportunity to learn the business from the ground up, work directly with customers, and gradually take ownership of your own accounts and product portfolio.Your day-to-day will include:Support new business development by identifying and connecting with food manufacturers, co-packers, and ingredient customersBuild your sales skills through daily outreach to prospective customers by phone, email, LinkedIn, and other channelsHelp move opportunities forward by following up on customer inquiries, sample requests, pricing, quotations, and active sales opportunitiesBuild and maintain customer relationships through regular communication and responsive, professional serviceKeep customer and opportunity information up to date in the company’s CRM and internal systemsSupport the sales process from start to finish by preparing quotes, coordinating samples, and assisting with customer documentation and product informationCollaborate across the business with suppliers, commercial colleagues, logistics, and supply-chain teams to ensure orders are executed smoothly and customers receive excellent serviceDevelop expertise in Meelunie’s food ingredient portfolio, including starches, proteins, sweeteners, and their applicationsStay up to date on the food industry by monitoring market trends, ingredient pricing, supply conditions, and competitor activity to identify new business opportunitiesGain exposure to sales planning and strategy by assisting with sales forecasts, account planning, sales reports, and internal meetingsGet out in the market by traveling approximately 2–3 days per month for customer visits, trade shows, and industry eventsGrow into greater responsibility over time, with the opportunity to manage your own food-ingredient category and customer portfolioWho We're Looking ForYou don't need years of experience to be successful here. We're interested in potential, curiosity, and drive.You could be a great fit if you are:Recent graduate or early-career professional with an interest in sales, business development, food ingredients, agriculture, or international tradeBachelor’s degree in business, food science, agriculture, supply chain, or a related field preferredStrong communication, organization, and relationship-building skillsSelf-motivated, curious, results-oriented, and eager to learnComfortable working independently while collaborating closely with a teamAble to manage multiple priorities and follow through on customer requests in a timely mannerProficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP or CRM systems is a plus, but not requiredBilingual ability, particularly English and Spanish, is a plus but not requiredBased in, or willing to relocate to, the greater Chicago areaWilling and able to travel approximately 2–3 days per monthCompensation & BenefitsMeelunie offers an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and international work environment with strong opportunities for professional growth. The compensation package includes competitive base pay, a bonus opportunity, comprehensive benefits, and a 401(k) match.