About the Role
This position supports the global objective of the Sales and Marketing business to lead customer development and negotiations. It aims to support business growth through continuous updating of trade data, providing key market insights for management decisions, and building strong relationships with clients, agents, distributors, and internal resources.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute agent-level sales strategies for AjiPro-L and animal feed amino acids across North America and other global markets.
- Identify customer needs and growth opportunities by qualifying and quantifying target accounts by product category.
- Drive sales growth for AjiPro-L and animal feed amino acids through direct customer engagement and distributor management.
- Establish and achieve budget for sales volume plans, implementing countermeasures when gaps occur.
- Create and prepare budget by establishing and implementing short and long-term plans with teams in the US and Japan.
- Provide verbal and written communications to Sales Agents and Customers for pricing actions.
- Analyze information sources to support sales strategies, pricing decisions, and product marketing, including customer data, agent data, import/export data, commodity markets, and nutritional staff insights.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, agents, and distributors for long-term business development.
- Engage with the Technical Department to align nutritional changes with market trends and support sales growth.
- Understand the North American livestock business.
- Understand customer profitability and implement strategies to improve it.
- Ensure customer satisfaction by understanding service and quality standards, resolving problems, and conducting customer visits.
- Provide timely and critical information by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data and trends.
- Understand supply/demand drivers, competitor products, market share, and activities to anticipate new opportunities and maximize profit.
- Update, complete, and analyze weekly and monthly reports, including import/export data and supply/demand forecast analysis.
- Collaborate with the NA Tech Dept. to develop new product ideas, strategies, and marketing materials.
- Assist with NA Accounts Receivable and Collections through Agents.
- Provide support to the Business Unit Director as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- B.S. degree in animal nutrition, animal science, or a related field is desired.
- Minimum of 5 years of proven B2B sales experience in animal nutrition, feed additives, or technical sales or support (Swine, Poultry, Dairy).
- Strong knowledge of ruminant nutrition (dairy/beef preferred).
- Experience working with nutritionists and feed mills is preferred.
- Demonstrable experience in negotiating and meeting client requirements.
- Understands and utilizes CRM.
- Ability to travel up to 50%, including overnights.
- Valid passport required.
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Experience in public speaking, creating and delivering presentations in a professional manner.
- Ability to problem-solve and work cross-functionally to effectively service customers.
- Knowledge of lysine or amino acid products is preferred.
- Familiarity with feed formulation and farm economics is preferred.
Location
- North America
Work Type
- Full-time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 5+ years of B2B sales experience
Education Level
- Bachelor's Degree
Salary/Compensations
- $155,000.00 - $160,000.00 + bonus/commission
Benefits
- Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
- 401(k) with Company Contributions
- Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
- Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
- Work Flexibility
- Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
- Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
- Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support
About the Company
- Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition is making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies.
- We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America.
- As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health.
- Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all.
- We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration.
Equal Opportunity
- Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
