Technical Sales Manager - Plant Proteins

OverviewLouis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, and we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.The Sales Manager will play a key role in driving growth within the plant protein segment by delivering innovative solutions to customers in the food and nutrition industries. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial acumen, pea proteins sales experience, excels at negotiating and closing deals, and consistently delivers on business commitments. They are naturally curious and creative, identifying new opportunities and solutions, and thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments. This role requires a proactive, customer-focused mindset and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to bring plant-based innovations to market. Responsibilities Support Global Commercial Director in the design of US commercial strategy for the plant proteins business, including definition of sales objectives and business goals, growth targets, customer portfolio, strategy accounts plan, commercial activities, marketing activities, and team/LDC capability building. Deliver the US commercial strategy. Act as LDC representative and point of contact for US customers across their purchasing cycle, ensuring first-class service and a positive customer experience with all LDC functions. Represent LDC for US customers requiring technical support, in close collaboration with the applications team. Deliver business goals and growth targets for the defined customer portfolio by managing existing business, developing new customers and projects, with differentiated and innovative products and cross-selling opportunities. Conduct sales and account development activities, including on-site visits and technical support, to achieve pipeline, revenue goals and objectives. Nurture customer relationships, ensuring a positive customer experience across all LDC functions throughout the buying cycle. Manage internal relationships across departments (Applications, R&D, supply chain, finance, quality, etc.) to ensure flawless communication and customer service. Manage pricing, contracts, sales forecasts and supply chain in collaboration with Supply Chain. Provide technical support and product development support for customers, in collaboration with the applications team, for the formulation of a wide range of food & beverage and sports nutrition products using plant proteins and related solutions. Work with applications team to analyze customer processes and formulations, provide recommendations on ingredient selection and process adjustments for cost savings, quality improvements, and new product opportunities. Support technical teams in conducting trials related to customer projects (prototyping, development or fine tuning of recipes/process developments). Network with customers, industry players and partners; build relationships within the food industry, including visits to LDC facilities and participation in conferences and events. Record and share relevant customer activities and project updates via regular reporting and knowledge management/CRM tools. Takes full responsibility for delivering on commitments, meeting deadlines, and achieving results with minimal supervision. Qualifications Education: Bachelors degree required Five (5) or more years of experience in the food industry, as sales or business developer or technical scientist Experience within Pea Proteins sales Experience in R&D product development and go-to-market In-depth knowledge in Food Science Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Commercial acumen; persuasive and able to negotiate to close deals Strong understanding of market dynamics, customer needs, and business drivers Advanced negotiation skills to achieve win-win outcomes Growth mindset with creative problem-solving abilities Proactive work style with a drive for results Ability to anticipate customer needs and create new solutions Willingness to challenge the status quo and create value Adaptability to dynamic environments and ability to remain effective under pressure Additional Information Equipment Used Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner. Working Conditions Domestic and international travel required up to 50% of the time. Interacts with personnel in other departments and Company locations; interacts with middle and senior management; occasional extensions of regular working hours to complete time-sensitive projects or respond to emergencies. Employee Supervision No direct employee supervision Decision Making / Accountability Creating and executing effective Plant Proteins sales strategy for North America. What We Offer We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world. Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and coverage. 401k with Company Match Family friendly benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family-building benefits Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles) LDC values and equal opportunity statement: LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, and is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values equity and inclusion. LDC encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Sustainability Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are committed to creating fair and sustainable value for our people, business partners, communities and the environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-26