
Chief Commercial Officer - Food Ingredients
- Chicago, IL
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead profitable growth initiatives across all business units and geographic markets by implementing effective commercial strategies.
- Partner with executive leadership to define and execute long-range business plans and R&D strategies, with both short-term objectives and long-term goals as a priority and focus
- Review, negotiate, and authorize high valued and complex contracts and agreements
- Evaluate sales and marketing performance by reviewing key performance metrics, financial reports, and sales trends.
- Work in close collaboration with company leadership to identify operational efficiencies, cost optimization, and enhance policies and programs.
- Oversee the strategic allocation of resources across commercial and R&D functions to support business priorities.
- Deepen customer engagement and foster collaborative, long-term partnerships that support business growth.
- Cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within the organization.
- Play a critical role in building and mentoring a strong leadership team, ensuring the continuous development of talent across all levels.
- Monitor industry developments and trends, competitive dynamics, and customer needs to inform strategic decision-making.
- Apply strong problem-solving skills to identify organizational gaps, address challenges, and implement effective solutions.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Chemistry or related
- PhD and/or Masters in Food Science, Chemistry or related preferred
- Minimum 15 years of strategic sales and business development experience within food ingredients, chemicals, oleochemicals, food and beverage or related
- 10 years of leadership experience leading and growing high performing teams in the food and beverage manufacturing sector
- Proven track record of developing and implementing a strategic business development and commercial plan
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, thrives in high pressure situations with high personal accountability
- Excellent presentations and communication skills required
- Strong negotiations and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse audience and group of stakeholders
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and leadership and able to inspire and motivate others
- Experience working in a global organization leading global teams
- Ability to travel 50% domestically