Leaf Technologies is a Business Unit of the Lesaffre Group, world leader in yeast and yeast extract. The Business Unit will focus on the worldwide sales and market development of value-added fermentation solutions for fuel ethanol and bio-based chemicals producers. Job Description: The primary function of this position is to confirm and/or identify new business opportunities and develop in set geographical zones, the sales of added value yeast and yeast products in the targeted market segments (first generation fuel ethanol). To meet or exceed the economical targets from the established Yearly Sales Planner. To operate within agreed expenses (Budget). To report to management on factors that are either benefiting or affecting the company Yearly Marketing Plan. Territory: Mainly IL, WI, MI, IN Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Sales performance Achieve the targeted sales objectives in terms of tonnage and revenue. Budget, sales reporting and analysis Assist Sales Director in the preparation of sales & marketing budget (Budget). Reports monthly sales results and/or assist in sales analysis upon request. Marketing studies/research Carry out studies to confirm projected production volumes in the targeted segments, e.g. by assessing economical & political drivers country by country. Identify and lobby key contacts (influencers, decision-makers), key organizations, technical institutions and associations for each segment. Carry out field visits to end users and distributors, as per Leaf Technologies definition and requirements (company information, technology, yeast purchases, etc.). Update customer Database accordingly. Identify business opportunities and key prospects. Establish contacts with business/sector related trade organizations, research organizations, other suppliers – as per instructions of Sale Director. Monitor competitive activity by identifying and following up competitors organization and product & services offer. Report to Sales Director. Technical sales Visit existing accounts / distributors, target and potential customers (see Yearly Sales Planner) in accordance with the call frequency defined for each market segment (see Yearly Marketing Plan), developing strong relationships with key accounts. Deliver technical presentations to key accounts. Prepare sales offers in accordance with the guidelines of the Sales Director. Provide technical support to direct customers (technical advice, assistance in trials, operators trainings…). Seek assistance from Technical Manager as and when required. Promotion Identify opportunities of promotion and report to management. Promote Leaf technologies products within the trade, highlighting their technical and economical benefits and raising Leaf technologies as the expert in the industry. Take an active role in the promotion of products through technical publications, paper and poster presentations, seminars, and participation at international and national trade shows, conferences and seminars – as per instructions of Sales Director. Prepare technical presentations for Seminars, conferences, tradeshows, etc., according to a specific plan agreed with the Sales Director. Seek assistance from Technical Manager as and when required. Assist the Sales Director in the organization of Seminars and events with customers / distributors. Management of distribution networks To increase current market coverage by consolidating the existing distributorship, reviewing when appropriate existing distribution agreements and identifying alternative and/or new distributors – whether inside or outside the Lesaffre organization – in segments requiring an indirect approach. To establish yearly objectives and action plans (sales objectives, promotional activities, new product development…) with distributors, reviewing progress on a quarterly basis. To provide distributors with continuous technical, commercial and marketing support. Organize training as and when required. Sales administration Liaison with Sales Administration department and/or other shared services, ensuring good customer service and satisfaction from order capture through to delivery, invoicing and payment. When applicable, liaison with Supply Chain department to ensure stock availability. Quality To follow up complaints from customers. Liaison with Sales Director and/or Technical Manager as and when required. Budget To assist Sales Director in budget preparation, as and when requested. Others Other duties may be assigned.