Technical Sales Manager
Location: US, WI, 
Department: Leaf Technologies
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Associate
Required education: Bachelor's Degree
Function: Science
Company profile: Lesaffre Yeast Corporation is a French privately owned company that has been the worldwide leader in yeast manufacturing for the past 10 years. In 2013, the company celebrated its 160th anniversary. Yeast manufacturing is more of a passion for the family who owns the company than it is a business. To excel at Yeast manufacturing like Lesaffre does, it requires hiring talented people who are knowledgeable and skilled in microbiology, biotechnology, mathematics, food processing, automation, people management and most of all who can learn and teach Lesaffre’s know-how. The Lesaffre Group has been leading the worldwide yeast manufacturing industry because of passion, know-how and superior technology.Lesaffre manufactures and sells “fresh” bakers yeast, also called wet yeast, and we serve a base of industrial bakeries as well as bakers compressed Yeast, Instant High Active Yeast, Active Dry Yeast, Distillers ADY, Protected ADY other type of specialty #URL_8ead3a909a01e46bf54d799760864575097f4be44f1453ac5a4183c634707458# addition, Lesaffre has separate business units which sell into the Nutritional industry; Animal Feed Industry; Beer, Wine and Whiskey Industry; Renewable Chemicals and Ethanol Industry; and Flavor Enhancer Industry. 
Description: 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, INDuties and Responsibilities: include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.Sales performanceAchieve the targeted sales objectives in terms of tonnage and revenue.Budget, sales reporting and analysisAssist Sales Director in the preparation of sales & marketing budget (Budget).  Reports monthly sales results and/or assist in sales analysis upon request.Marketing studies/researchCarry 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 salesVisit 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.PromotionIdentify 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 networksTo 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 administrationLiaison 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.QualityTo follow up complaints from customers.  Liaison with Sales Director and/or Technical Manager as and when required. BudgetTo assist Sales Director in budget preparation, as and when requested.OthersOther duties may be assigned. 
Requirements: Education and/or Experience                      Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; preferably in Microbiology or related field with 5 or more years of technical support / sales experience in fermentation and/or related fields.  Equivalent combination of education and experience considered if related specifically beverage alcohol production. Other Qualifications       Must be able to travel 60-70% of the time.Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Language Skills                                            Ability to read and interpret instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.  Good working vocabulary in English.  Fluency and command of Spanish is a plus.Mathematical Skills                                       Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts and commissions. Reasoning Ability                                          Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Benefits: Effective first day of employment: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Paid Vacation, Holiday and Sick time.  401K with Company Match and Discretionary Contribution. 
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