Associate Director Food Ingredients & Foodservice Sales

About Mizkan America

Mizkan America, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life for more than 220 years. As one of the leading manufacturers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America operates 12 manufacturing facilities serving the retail, foodservice, specialty Asian, and food ingredient channels. Our portfolio includes trusted and iconic brands such as RAGÚ, Bertolli, Holland House, Nakano, and Mizkan, enjoyed by consumers across North America.

Our success is built upon two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. We foster a culture where employees are encouraged to bring forward new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and contribute to meaningful improvements across the organization. Transparency, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning are fundamental to how we operate and grow.

At Mizkan, you'll have the opportunity to work with iconic brands, collaborate with talented colleagues, and make an impact within a company that values innovation, development, and long-term success.

Why Join Mizkan?

At Mizkan, you'll have the opportunity to influence key business decisions, support some of the most recognized brands in the grocery aisle, and help shape category growth through insights, strategy, and innovation. You'll work alongside collaborative and passionate professionals who are committed to delivering results, serving customers, and continuously improving how we work.

We offer a culture that encourages ownership, fresh thinking, and professional development, empowering employees to contribute ideas, build new capabilities, and make a lasting impact on the business. Whether you're partnering with customers, commercializing innovation, or transforming insights into action, you'll play an important role in helping brands like RAGÚ, Bertolli, Holland House, and Nakano continue to grow and succeed in the marketplace.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Food Ingredients & Foodservice Sales is responsible for driving profitable growth and expanding market share across Mizkan America's Food Ingredients and Foodservice businesses. This role leads strategic account development, new business acquisition, commercial planning, customer relationship management, and a team of Regional Sales Managers to deliver revenue, volume, and profitability objectives.

The Associate Director serves as a strategic commercial leader, developing long-term customer partnerships, identifying growth opportunities, leading complex negotiations, and collaborating cross-functionally to bring innovative solutions to market. This position requires a balance of strategic thinking, people leadership, market insight, financial acumen, and customer-focused execution to achieve sustainable business growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute strategies that drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, and industry engagement.
• Lead strategic customer planning, business reviews, and commercial negotiations.
• Build and expand relationships with key decision-makers across customer organizations.
• Manage and grow business through direct accounts, brokers, distributors, and channel partners.
• Serve as the commercial lead for strategic customers and key growth initiatives.
• Balance customer needs with profitability, pricing, and operational objectives.
• Manage forecasting, pipeline development, and annual business planning.
• Deliver revenue, volume, margin, and profitability targets.
• Analyze market trends, business performance, and competitive activity to inform decision-making.
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to support business strategy and growth.
• Support annual operating plans, budgets, and financial forecasting.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members and broker partners to drive customer growth, commercial excellence, and business results.
• Establish performance expectations and drive accountability for results.
• Optimize channel strategies and support talent development to maximize business performance.
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.
• This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.

What Skills You'll Bring

• Strategic Business Leadership
• New Business Development
• Customer Relationship Management
• Negotiation & Influencing
• Financial & Commercial Acumen
• Pricing & Contract Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Talent Development & Coaching
• Executive Presence
• Effective Communication & Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Change Leadership
• Results Orientation
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Power BI, Exceedra, Scintilla, Microsoft Copilot, and other business intelligence tools.
• Ability to leverage technology, AI-enabled tools, and analytics to drive sales planning, forecasting, customer management, and business decision-making.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, data analysis, reporting, and dashboard creation.
• Strong Microsoft PowerPoint skills with the ability to create executive-level presentations, business reviews, and strategic recommendations.

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of sales, business development, or commercial leadership experience within Food Ingredients, Foodservice, CPG, or related industries.
• Proven track record of delivering profitable growth and winning new business.
• Experience managing strategic customer relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and commercialization projects.
• Experience managing brokers, distributors, and channel partners.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L management experience preferred.
• Experience leveraging technology platforms, AI tools, reporting and data analytics to support sales planning, forecasting, customer management, and business decision-making.

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions:

• Ability to remain seated at a workstation for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Ability to view computer screens and read printed materials for prolonged periods.
• Occasional standing, walking, and reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry office supplies or equipment weighing up to 10-15 lbs.
• Adequate hearing and speech to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video.
• Regular, predictable, in-person attendance on the business days the Company requires in-person attendance at this facility. (In-person attendance is optional on the other workdays.) For non-required-in-person attendance days, employees are expected to be present and engaged during the designated work hours for this role.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including customer visits, industry events, broker and distributor meetings, sales meetings, and other business-related travel.

Work Location & Schedule

This position is based in the Mizkan America Corporate office in Schaumburg, Illinois and follows a hybrid work model, with employees working three (3) days per week in the office and two (2) days remotely.

At Mizkan, we believe in fostering collaboration, innovation, and strong team connections while providing workplace flexibility that supports employee well-being and success.

Compensation

Annual Salary Range: $145,500 - $199,000

Compensation is based on a variety of factors, including geographic market, education, skills, experience, and internal equity. Actual compensation may vary from the posted range.

Bonus Eligibility:

This position is eligible for a 25% Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) Bonus opportunity.

Benefits

Mizkan offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401k Plan with Company Match of up to 4%
• Profit Sharing Program
• Wellness Program
• Education Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays.

Benefits eligibility and plan provisions are subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plans.

Mizkan America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

#LI-SM1