This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Associate Sales Director based in the United States.
This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to drive commercial growth across the North American pet food and ingredient markets. The successful candidate will oversee regional sales performance, lead a high-performing commercial team, and develop strategies that strengthen customer partnerships while accelerating business expansion. Working closely with cross-functional stakeholders, you will help shape long-term growth initiatives, influence strategic decisions, and ensure outstanding execution across sales and customer engagement activities. This position combines strategic leadership, market expertise, and people development in a dynamic and innovative environment. It is well suited for an experienced commercial leader who thrives on building relationships, delivering measurable business results, and creating sustainable growth.
Accountabilities:
- Lead sales and gross margin performance across North America, ensuring achievement of revenue, profitability, and new business growth objectives.
- Develop and execute regional commercial strategies aligned with broader organizational goals while adapting to market-specific opportunities and challenges.
- Strengthen customer relationships through consultative selling, strategic account management, and multi-level engagement with key stakeholders.
- Manage contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and commercial agreements while maintaining alignment with business objectives and policies.
- Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities and drive proactive business decisions.
- Lead, coach, and develop Sales Managers and Technical Sales Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build organizational capabilities in commercial excellence, account planning, leadership development, and customer-focused selling.
- Collaborate closely with marketing, research and development, technical services, operations, and customer support teams to deliver tailored solutions.
- Manage distributor relationships and support strategic account initiatives across regional and global customer networks.
- Establish performance metrics, oversee pipeline management, manage regional sales budgets, and contribute to long-term growth planning.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Animal Science, Food Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of commercial experience within pet food, animal nutrition, rendering, food ingredients, or closely related industries.
- At least 3 years of sales leadership and people management experience with demonstrated success leading high-performing commercial teams.
- Advanced degree such as an MBA, MSc, or PhD is preferred.
- Proven track record of delivering sustained sales growth and managing strategic relationships with senior-level customers.
- Strong knowledge of the pet food industry, including market dynamics, customer needs, and industry trends.
- Expertise in contract negotiation, pricing strategy development, and customer relationship management.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and organizational levels.
- Strong leadership capabilities with a collaborative, results-oriented, and customer-focused approach.
- Ability to build trusted relationships quickly and effectively with internal teams, customers, and business partners.
- Self-motivated and energetic professional with strong business acumen and a drive to achieve ambitious goals.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout North America, up to 75% of the time.
- Must be located within the continental United States and near a major airport.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary package with uncapped bonus earning potential.
- 401(k) program with company matching contributions.
- Generous paid vacation and holiday allowance.
- Comprehensive health and wellness support programs.
- Fitness reimbursement benefits for employees and eligible family members.
- Access to learning and development resources, including extensive online and live training opportunities.
- Tuition reimbursement support for approved external education programs.
- Career advancement and leadership development opportunities.
- Paid time off for volunteer and community service activities.
- Opportunities to participate in global charitable and community-focused initiatives.
- Fully remote work arrangement within the continental United States.
- Exposure to a collaborative, innovation-driven, and mission-focused work environment.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
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