Product Development Associate Jobs in Springfield, MO

Career Opportunities with Central States Industrial (CSI)

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Salary: $75,000 - $100,000 annually, plus incentives

Location: Springfield, MO

The Role

CSI is looking for a motivated, relationship-driven professional to join our International Sales team as a Business Development Associate (BDA) – International. This is an entry-level commercial role designed to develop future Business Development Leaders through hands-on experience in international customer engagement, lead qualification, and sales development.

In this role, you\'ll be the first point of contact for international opportunities—working with customers across multiple time zones, qualifying new business, coordinating with internal teams, and supporting the successful transition of opportunities into long-term customer relationships. If you\'re energized by global business, enjoy solving problems, and want to build a career in technical sales, this is an excellent opportunity to grow.

About CSI

CSI provides state-of-the-art stainless-steel process equipment and service for manufacturers in the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.

We are a growing company built on teamwork, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service. Our employees are our greatest resource, and we invest in their development through training, collaboration, and opportunities to grow.

What You’ll Do

• Manage inbound and web-generated international sales leads from initial contact through qualification.
• Engage prospective international customers through phone, email, and virtual meetings to identify opportunities and build relationships.
• Execute proactive outbound prospecting and follow-up activities to expand CSI's international customer base.
• Coordinate with Customer Service, Estimating & Design, Purchasing, Accounting, and Marketing to ensure timely customer support and project execution.
• Support international transactions by coordinating export documentation, logistics, shipping requirements, and payment terms.
• Maintain disciplined pipeline management, CRM activity, and lead follow-up in accordance with CSI sales standards.
• Collaborate closely with the International Business Development Leader to develop sales strategies and transition qualified opportunities for long-term account ownership.
• Monitor customer activity, market trends, and competitor information while providing valuable feedback to leadership.
• Build product knowledge and develop an understanding of CSI\'s sanitary processing solutions and international markets.
• Deliver an exceptional customer experience by managing expectations, communicating effectively, and ensuring responsive service throughout the sales process.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Industrial Technology, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Previous customer service, inside sales, business development, or account management experience preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, industrial equipment, food processing, pharmaceutical, or related industries is a plus.
• Understanding of estimating, engineering support, or process equipment applications is beneficial.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).
• Experience using CRM or ERP systems is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent organizational abilities.

Why Join CSI?

• Competitive compensation: $75,000 - $100,000 annually plus incentives.
• Growth-focused, team-oriented culture

CSI offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Opportunities for internal career advancement
• Company lunches, team events, and community volunteer opportunities

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

Our environment emphasizes accountability, respect, teamwork, and continuous learning.

This role is primarily office-based, Monday-Friday, and required occasional domestic and international travel. It requires extended computer use, effective communication, and occasional movement within industrial environments. Light physical activity, including standing, bending, and lifting up to 20 pounds, may be required.

CSI is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSI is committed to equal opportunity employment. We select candidates based on their ability to perform the work in a competent and professional manner and do not discriminate based on age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. CSI participates in E-Verify.