Midwest Account Manager

The story of AAK goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet. From our success in Scandinavia, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing over 4,000 people worldwide. We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. Our oils are used in making your chocolate extra creamy or adding crunch to your croissant. We also work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier, and better for the planet. Every one of us works towards our shared purpose: Making Better Happen™.

About the role

The Midwest Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing an established territory and account base in the Midwest, while actively identifying and developing new business opportunities. This role involves establishing, maintaining, and cultivating customer relationships, collaborating with technical teams to develop new solutions, and managing pricing and profitability.

• Develop and execute a strategic account management plan for the Midwest region to drive revenue growth and achieve sales targets.
• Identify, pursue, and close new business opportunities to expand the territory.
• Conduct market analysis to identify potential customers, trends, and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers across Procurement and R&D.
• Present product offerings, negotiate contracts, and develop solutions aligned with customer needs.
• Manage pricing strategies and contract terms to optimize profitability.
• Drive lead generation and actively grow the customer base.
• Collaborate with the Go-to-Market team to identify and capture value-added opportunities.
• Work with sourcing and trading to provide customers with relevant market insights.
• Establish a strong presence within customer organizations to influence decision-making.
• Partner with customers to address formulation challenges and provide practical solutions.
• Collaborate with internal technical teams to support customer needs.
• Develop and maintain annual territory and account plans aligned with company objectives.
• Consistently meet or exceed financial and volume targets.
• Provide timely and accurate technical and commercial communication to customers.
• Manage travel and expenses within budget.
• Deliver accurate customer forecasts and maintain forecasting discipline.
• Work with Quality and Customer Service to resolve issues and ensure a strong customer experience.
• Maintain close communication with Customer Service to ensure execution.
• Support collection of past due invoices and resolve discrepancies.
• Expand into new segments and channels through targeted business development.
• Gather market intelligence to support decision-making.
• Participate in ongoing training and development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of experience in specialty food ingredients or specialty chemicals sales.
• Proven ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities (“hunting” mindset).
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to build relationships internally and externally.
• Demonstrated track record of strong customer relationship management, with a focus on retention and growth.
• Highly effective organizational and planning skills, with the ability to manage a territory and achieve sales targets.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and take on new challenges, with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Benefits

• Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision).
• AK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500 to a Health Savings Account.
• Match 100% of the first 3% you contribute to your 401(k), and 50% of the next 3% to your 401(k).
• Free Life and Disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans.
• Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more.
• Recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition.

Pay

$115,560 - $150,340 possible bonus of 20%.

Schedule

Full-time position.