Key Account Manager

Soufflet Malt Family of Companies•Chicago, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Key Account Manager, Adjacent Markets Americas, is responsible for growing Soufflet Malt’s malt-based ingredient business in new markets, including food, non-alcoholic beverages, pet food, and coffee alternatives. The role focuses on prospecting and developing new customer accounts, building the foundation for a new sales function, and collaborating closely with global R&D and innovation teams. The position operates with a start-up mindset within a global organization and has the potential to lead a team. Frequent travel is required to develop adjacent-market clients, including attending trade shows and industry events. The role follows standard working hours, with flexibility needed to accommodate time zone differences. Work is performed onsite in an open office environment with cubicle seating and includes in-person meetings and interaction. The employee must be able to remain stationary or stand for prolonged periods and constantly operate a computer and other office equipment. Personal protective equipment is required when working at manufacturing and distribution sites. Soufflet Malt is the world’s largest malting company, with annual production capacity of 3.7 million tons across 41 facilities in 20 countries and more than 2,300 employees. It serves industrial and craft brewers and distillers and states a commitment to incorporating sustainability improvements throughout its supply chain and fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace. The company offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package.

Requirements

5–10 years of professional experience, ideally in B2B sales or business development within the food and beverage industry.
Proven business development track record, including the drive and established industry network to open new customer accounts and introduce innovative malt-based ingredients to the market.
Comfort prospecting, building relationships from the ground up, and developing new opportunities into long-term partnerships.
Experience leading a product line, with direct expertise in nutrition and food ingredients.
Strong industry connections, particularly in malt usage and applications, and the ability to explain how malt-based solutions meet customers’ product development needs.
Technical background in B2B food ingredients.
Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, food science, or a related field.
Ability to travel frequently, work onsite, attend meetings, and interact with others in person.
Ability to remain stationary or stand for prolonged periods and constantly operate a computer and other office equipment.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment at manufacturing and distribution sites.

Responsibilities

Develop new business for the adjacent business unit by prospecting for and opening new B2B customer accounts.
Build the structure and processes needed to sustain and scale new activities.
Prioritize opportunities to maximize growth and results.
Negotiate pricing, terms, and agreements with customers.
Apply food ingredient and agri-food knowledge to meet customer needs.
Build strong relationships with customers and internal teams, including global R&D and innovation.
Participate in trade shows and industry events to build Soufflet Malt’s visibility in ingredient markets.
Work with a start-up mindset within a global organization, with the potential to lead a team.
Adhere to company food safety, quality, health and safety policies and procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.