SALES EXECUTIVE (EASTERN REGION)

KENT WORLDWIDE•Muscatine, IA

12h•Remote

About The Position

Grain Processing Corporation (GPC), a KENT WORLDWIDE™ company, is seeking a driven, customer-focused Sales Executive to expand its market presence and drive growth within the Milling Segment of its Specialty Ingredients Sales. This role is responsible for managing and growing customer accounts in the Eastern United States, developing strategic partnerships with flour mills, grain processors, and ingredient manufacturers. The Sales Executive will act as a trusted advisor, using industry knowledge and technical expertise to provide innovative ingredient solutions. This position involves identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, expanding existing accounts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams (Operations, R&D, Technical Services, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance) to bring customer-focused solutions to market. The ideal candidate is a motivated sales professional who excels at building relationships, influencing growth, and staying current with industry trends. Candidates should ideally be located within the Eastern United States or near a major airport hub to facilitate travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in food science, agriculture, business, milling science, grain science, or a related field preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of B2B sales, business development, technical sales, or account management experience within food ingredients, grain processing, milling, or related industries.
Experience developing and executing strategic account growth plans and closing new business opportunities.
Experience utilizing CRM systems, sales forecasting tools, and pipeline management processes.
Strong understanding of milling operations, grain-based ingredients, food manufacturing, or ingredient applications preferred.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain high-value customer relationships at multiple organizational levels.
Action-oriented and results-driven with a proven track record of achieving sales and profitability objectives.
Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze market trends, identify opportunities, and solve complex business challenges.
Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and industry engagement.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and grow business relationships with existing and prospective customers within the milling industry, including flour mills, grain processors, and value-added ingredient manufacturers.
Drive efforts to identify, develop, and close new business opportunities that support growth objectives within the milling segment.
Develop strategic account plans for key customers and prospects, identifying opportunities to expand product offerings, volume, and profitability.
Market and sell GPC Specialty Ingredients products by leveraging technical expertise, customer insights, and industry knowledge to deliver value-added solutions.
Serve as a trusted advisor to customers by providing technical support, application guidance, product recommendations, and problem-solving assistance related to milling and ingredient applications.
Monitor and report on customer activities, competitor actions, emerging technologies, industry developments, market trends, and potential acquisition or partnership opportunities.
Utilize and maintain the Company's CRM system to effectively manage leads, opportunities, sales activities, forecasts, customer interactions, and account plans.
Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, Technical Services, Quality, Marketing, and Finance to ensure successful execution of customer projects and business initiatives.
Lead the identification and evaluation of new product opportunities and innovative solutions that support growth within the milling market.
Develop and implement effective sales, marketing, and promotional strategies to increase market penetration and customer engagement.
Maintain active involvement in relevant milling, grain processing, and food industry trade associations, conferences, and industry events to strengthen relationships and identify emerging opportunities.
Develop and maintain a high level of product, technical, market, and competitive knowledge to effectively position GPC solutions.
Prepare and deliver customer presentations, business reviews, pricing proposals, and strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.