Customer Development Manager

Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA | Hybrid work arrangement

About the role

Reporting to the National Commercial Director, the Customer Development Manager (CDM) leads all aspects of the sales process for key accounts. The role promotes the company’s products to existing and prospective customers across market segments including human nutrition (bars, beverage, gummies, and supplements), bakery, and savory. The CDM develops and maintains productive customer relationships to achieve sales and marketing goals, focusing on value-add products. Responsibilities include conducting sales calls, ensuring customer satisfaction, and making recommendations to management on product development, pricing, and sales projections.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for the effective performance of sales and marketing functions.
• Develop a sales strategy aligned with Caldic’s strategy, products, and capabilities to target potential customers within the industry.
• Set and execute stretch budget targets aligned with organizational objectives.
• Create and deliver sales presentations to prospective customers, aligning Caldic’s offerings with their needs.
• Prospect for new accounts using media, trade shows, and cold calls to grow existing business.
• Prioritize product placement to ensure strategic, high-volume, and profitable positioning.
• Attend training as required.
• Meet and exceed established quotas and sales goals.
• Service sales accounts in accordance with company standards and policies.
• Forecast long-range account sales (volume, margin) and product needs, communicating information regularly to management.
• Work with procurement to calculate product costs and set pricing for products.
• Provide technical support to customers using available tools and resources.

Requirements

• College degree in Business, Food Science, or equivalent (strong asset).
• 5–15 years of ingredient sales experience, with a preference for functional and technical ingredients.
• Outstanding follow-up skills, including managing samples, quotes, technical data packages, and presentations.
• Ability to identify customer needs through effective questioning and link them to value-added, innovative solutions.
• Strong communication skills, both external and internal.
• Understanding of company product positioning and competitive conditions.
• Sales and marketing proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Proven track record of profitable sales growth.
• Good leadership skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams to execute customer strategies.
• Well-organized with strong time management abilities.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and take initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook).
• High-growth mindset, both personally and professionally.

About Caldic

Caldic is a global leader in distribution solutions, serving diverse markets across 43 countries. We offer innovative solutions tailored to industries such as food, pharma, personal care, and industrial markets. Joining Caldic means becoming part of an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and innovation-driven team with opportunities for rapid career growth and development in an inclusive, dynamic work environment.

To learn more, visit: www.caldic.com.