Global Key Account Manager - Food ingredients (Chicago office)

We are partnering with a global leader in food ingredients to recruit a Global Key Account Manager. This is a senior-level opportunity to manage some (2) of the most strategic accounts in the company's portfolio. Our client is known for its value-added sustainable solutions, serving major multinational brands and specialized businesses across the globe.

The Global Key Account Manager will lead efforts to drive customer success, focusing on co-creation and innovation, particularly within food ingredients and beverages. This role is responsible for maximizing business opportunities by understanding customer needs and aligning them with the company's broad portfolio of products. The focus is on creating deep, long-lasting partnerships that go beyond transactional relationships, contributing to both short-term revenue growth and long-term strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in B2B (industry) food sales, particularly in food ingredients, and will have demonstrated success working in a matrix organization. With a strong commercial strategic background, you’ll be expected to build multi-level relationships with clients and develop growth plans that align with their objectives and market trends. Your role will not only involve growing share of wallet but also exploring new market opportunities for product innovation and sustainability initiatives.

• Build and execute strategic account plans aimed at both short-term growth and long-term development for 2 Key clients.
• Lead (indirectly) a cross-functional Key Account Team (KAT), working with product sales, innovation, marketing, and sustainability teams to deliver on client expectations.
• Develop and nurture multi-level relationships with key stakeholders within the customer’s organization, from R&D to procurement and senior management.
• Drive product innovation, introducing new ideas that meet both customer needs and sustainability goals.
• Manage the financial performance of your accounts, focusing on revenue growth, profit margins, and share of wallet.
• Present and negotiate with senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, to secure the best outcomes for the company and the customer.
• Act as the primary point of contact for key accounts, ensuring seamless communication and a high level of client satisfaction.
• Analyze market trends and customer needs to inform strategic decisions and develop new business opportunities.

• Minimum of a Bachelor degree
• At least 10+ experience in B2B (industry) sales within the food ingredients sector
• Trackrecord in managing large global accounts in the food industry
• Strong knowledge of sales build and manage a multi-level stakeholder network
• Experience in a matrix organization, with the ability to influence and coordinate across different business units
• Track record of driving innovation and value-added solutions for clients.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L responsibilities
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset, capable of working autonomously and as part of a team
• Must be able or willing to travel 30%
• Working remotely fulltime is not an option in this case. You must be able to go towards the office in Chicago (or Amsterdam)

Competitive and market-aligned salary

Selection Procedure:

• CV screening.
• Initial interview with AFF Recruitment.
• 3-4 interviews with the company + reference check.
• Final negotiation and offer discussion.
  Interested in this exciting opportunity? Submit your latest CV through our website or email us for more information. Only candidates who meet the required criteria will be contacted.