Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Kemin Industries is a global biotechnology company focused on transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet. They are seeking an Associate Sales Director for North America to lead commercial growth, achieve sales objectives, and develop a high-performing sales team while ensuring alignment with global strategies.
Responsibilities
- Deliver budgeted sales, gross margin, and new business growth targets for North America (US and Canada)
- Define and execute regional sales strategies consistent with Nutrisurance’s Global and regional strategic objectives
- Strengthen customer partnerships through solutions-based selling, multi-level relationship building, and execution of Kemin’s sales process
- Manage pricing and contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with regional and global commercial policies
- Monitor competitive activity, customer trends, and market dynamics to anticipate and capitalize on opportunities
- Scope may include direct management of a few key accounts
- Lead, coach, and mentor Sales Managers and Technical Sales Managers across North America
- Build capabilities in commercial excellence, account planning, and consultative selling
- Foster a team culture grounded in Kemin’s values (TIPSS: Teamwork, Integrity, Passion, Servant Leadership, Safety)
- Develop succession and talent development plans to ensure a strong sales pipeline of future leaders
- Partner closely with Marketing, R&D, Technical Services, Operations, and Customer Laboratory Services to deliver tailored customer solutions
- Support strategic and key account management, including cross-regional and global customers with operations in North America
- Manage distributor partnerships and expand market coverage where needed
- Drive alignment between commercial, technical, and operational teams to ensure flawless execution
- Bring voice of the customer into strategic discussions at leadership team
- Net sales and gross margin accountability for North American (US and Canada)
- Establish KPIs for sales activities, pipeline management, and customer engagement to ensure accountability and continuous improvement
- Manage the regional sales expense budget with financial discipline
- Lead Nutrisurance’s growth ambitions with a five year horizon
Skills
- Bachelors degree in Business, Animal Science, Food Science, or related field with 10+ years of commercial experience in pet food, animal nutrition, rendering, or food ingredients, with at least 3+ years of sales leadership/people management
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth and managing senior level customer relationships
- Strong knowledge and experience in the pet food market
- Expertise in contract negotiation, pricing strategy, and customer relationship management
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to influence across regions, functions, and levels
- Ability to build relationships quickly with team and peers
- Self-driven, high-energy leader with urgency to achieve results
- Ability to travel up to 50–75% within North America
- Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, PhD)
Benefits
- Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
- Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
- Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
- Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
- Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.
Company Overview