Inside Sales Representative

At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are 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. It’s an old‑fashioned approach—done with purpose.

The Inside Sales Representative is responsible for generating sales for both existing & new customers. The Inside Sales Representative will possess analytical skills and the ability to influence and communicate effectively with all levels of management. The Inside Sales Representative will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, working cross-functionally with the Product Management, R&D, Marketing, Customer Service, and Operations teams to develop new ways we can improve the purchase experience for customers. The Inside Sales Representative will be the primary point of contact for all new leads generated by marketing campaigns, online interest, or trade shows. All leads will need to be scrutinized and then either assigned to the appropriate Account Executives or followed up with and converted to customers. Unless agreed to by Senior Leadership, the Inside Sales Representative must live in the Chicagoland area and be present in the Itasca office at least 4 days a week after initial training and onboarding are complete. The balance of their week will be spent working in the field or on pertinent company business.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:•    BA/BS in a Business or marketing-related field (or similar work experience)•    Minimum of 1 year of Sales, Account Management, or Business Development, preferably in the food ingredient segment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:•    Strong interpersonal and networking skills and a proven ability to sell are necessary•    Knowledge of the market, industry trends, market conditions, and competitive landscape•    Experience in the delivery of sales quotas against business/budget plans•    Demonstrable experience in negotiating and meeting client requirements.•    Strong analytical and organizational skills.•    Experience managing workload within timeframes•    Experience using Salesforce •    Ability to travel up to 10%, including overnights.

WORKING CONDITIONS:•    The Inside Sales Representative position will work from the Itasca office and may work remotely 1 day a week, with the expectation of traveling only as needed for trade events, internal meetings, or customer meetings.

•    Develop and maintain long-term strategic relationships with new and existing customers, establishing a sustainable platform for continued development of the relationship•    Collaborate with a large cross-functional team, including senior leadership, marketing, supply chain, R&D, and Customer Service•    Support quarterly and annual planning, business planning, budget negotiations, customer service, and other key responsibilities•    Achieve budget growth in assigned territory•    Identify key business opportunities on assigned and new accounts•    Achieve annual sales goals and profit targets•    Assist with related marketing, sales, and customer service activities.•    Proactively communicate with appropriate internal personnel/functions when issues arise.•    Maintain high customer satisfaction ratings, according to company standards.•    Act as a liaison between the customer and internal teams.•    Maintain a positive customer relationship and follow up on products, services, trials, and improvements. •    Other duties as assigned.

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.