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Kemin Nutrisurance, the Pet Food & Rendering Technologies division of Kemin Industries, is seeking an Associate Sales Director to lead commercial growth in North America. Nutrisurance partners with leading pet food manufacturers, renderers, and ingredient suppliers to deliver solutions in oxidation control, palatability, food safety, and health & nutrition.

The Associate Sales Director for North America will be responsible for achieving the region's sales and gross margin objectives, developing and leading a high-performing sales team, and driving customer-focused growth strategies. As a key member of the North America Leadership Team, this leader will ensure alignment with global Nutrisurance strategies while tailoring execution to the North American market.

This position is a remote role and can be located anywhere within the continental United States. 

Travel requirements may vary throughout the year, primarily in North America, up to 75%. The ideal candidate must be located near an airport.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet's natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• 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.

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• 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.

Team Leadership & Development

• 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.

Collaboration & Execution

• 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.

Financial & Operational Accountability 

• 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.

• Education and Experience
  • 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.
  • Advanced degree (MBA, MSc, PhD) preferred
• 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.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is an equal opportunity employer, and all reasonable accommodations will be considered.Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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