Industrial Sales Manager

Riviana Foods Inc. is a world class leader in the rice sector and is America’s largest processor, marketer, and distributor of branded and private label rice products. Riviana brands are well known for their quality and excellence. Key brands include Adolphus®, Blue Ribbon®, Colusa Rose®, Carolina®, Comet®, Gourmet House®, Mahatma®, Minute®, River®, RiceSelect®, Sello Rojo®, Success® and Water Maid®. Riviana Foods is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., a multinational food group operating in the rice, pasta and sauces sectors. Based in Spain, Ebro Foods has commercial and/or industrial presence in more than 25 countries in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, through its extensive network of subsidiaries and brands.

Our global reach is an important factor in Riviana's success.  As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ebro Foods, S.A., the world leader in rice sector, we take a world view of the rice business and draw upon the global resources of our parent company.

Industrial Sales Manager

Under the supervision of the Senior Vice President, Special Markets, responsible for developing and managing new business in specialty rice, pulse flours and extruded products.  Role will also support Industrial / Bulk Ingredient rice, grain, and blend sales for Riviana.

The role requires a strong base of experience in Industrial / Ingredient sales with particular focus (min 5 years) in flours as ingredients.  The ideal candidate will have a technical background and experience with rice and pulse flours and extruded rice and pulse flour ingredients.  The position is for a “self-starter” with solid industry contacts, ready to develop business opportunities from day one, and possessing strong technical skills and strong key account management skills.  As this is a lead role, training and mentoring skills will be necessary in support of other sales team members.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

• Launch the new business of specialty flours
• Develop new customers providing technical information, product attributes and technical savvy
• Build the product offering value proposition and transmit it effectively to customer base
• Solicit and negotiate sales, negotiate and maintain contracts, prepare price sheets and quotes
• Manage accounts holistically including forecast, orders, key account management
• Manage new business developments in adjacent spaces and monitoring / collecting receivables
• Maintain and increase sales to new and existing customers by working with buyers and R&D
• Multi-functional profile, knowledgeable of pricing, availability, applications and product development
• Work with Order Services group to coordinate orders from current and new customers
• Visit customers in North America to present new products, provide market updates and build relationships
• Coordinate and follow-up on customer special projects, and requests for documents and information
• Prepare quarterly customer updates, provide budget volumes and effectively manage KPIs
• Complete and maintain up-dated customer forms, surveys and reports as needed

Qualifications and Experience

• 10 years’ experience in Industrial / Bulk Ingredient Sales of Food Ingredients
• 5 years’ experience in business development and sales of flour ingredient sales
• Experience with pulse flours and extruded flours is desirable
• Major account sales experience with multi-national environment desirable.
• In depth understanding of potential buyers and well-reputed across the flour / ingredients market
• Track-record in managing complex / high volume relationships with key buyers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required (English). Skilled presenter
• Strong account management skills and capable of driving business with minimal supervision
• Ability to learn technical product information and specifications
• Ability to work in international environment using interdisciplinary approach
• Ability to work effectively with customers and with Riviana personnel at various levels

Key Competencies

• Operational Excellence: Deep understanding of operational processes
• Quality Management: Knowledge of quality control processes and standards specific to the food industry
• Safety Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Strategic Planning: Capacity to assist in strategic planning and execute plans to meet sales targets
• Commercial Acumen: Passionate about sales and business development
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and the ability to solve complex problems quickly and effectively
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in product attributes and technical understanding
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work with various departments
• Ability to operate effectively across different cultures and international markets

Education

• Chemistry, Food Science, or related technical disciplines

Riviana Foods Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and to compliance with all Federal, State and local laws that prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, military/veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, citizenship where legally permitted to work, or any other protected category under federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.  This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations.