Sample Associate Jobs in Palatine, IL (NOW HIRING)

Synergy Flavors, part of the Carbery Group, is more than just a leading international supplier of ingredients to the global food and beverage industry-we're a team driven by purpose. Our vision is simple yet powerful: enriching lives through healthier and tastier foods.

We believe great flavor starts with great people. That's why we're committed to hiring creative, passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste solutions that inspire innovation and elevate everyday experiences.

The Sales Associate role serves as the primary development pipeline for future Account Managers, providing hands-on experience in customer relationship management, business development, account growth, and commercial strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Customer & Account Support

Serve as a primary point of contact for inbound customer inquiries, sample requests, pricing requests, and commercial support needs.

Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and follow-up.

Coordinate with Customer Service, R&D, Operations, and other internal teams to ensure timely execution of customer projects and resolution of customer issues.

Manage assigned customer relationships to drive retention, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks to existing business.

Represent Synergy professionally and act as a trusted business partner to customers.

Opportunity & Pipeline Development

Identify, qualify, and develop new business opportunities within existing and prospective accounts.

Generate and follow up on leads received through marketing activities, trade shows, customer referrals, website inquiries, and other commercial channels.

Develop and execute customer growth plans for assigned Corporate Accounts to drive revenue growth and account expansion.

Manage assigned opportunities through the sales cycle and partner with Account Managers on larger or strategic opportunities.

Maintain awareness of market trends, competitive activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities.

Inside Sales & Commercial Operations

Manage inbound commercial activity, including customer requests, quotations, pricing inquiries, samples, and project follow-up.

Prepare quotations and support commercial negotiations within established guidelines.

Track customer projects, opportunities, and account activity through CRM systems.

Maintain accurate sales forecasts, opportunity pipelines, and customer records.

Participate in account planning, commercial reviews, and sales strategy discussions to support revenue growth and customer development.

Collaborate with Finance, Customer Service, and Operations to resolve issues impacting customer satisfaction or business growth.

Limited travel may be required to support customer meetings, trade shows, business development activities, and commercial initiatives. While travel is not expected to be a primary responsibility, Sales Associates may participate in customer visits when business needs justify in-person engagement.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree strongly preferred (Equivalent relevant business experience will be considered.)

1-2 years of experience in sales, customer service, account management, or a related commercial role.

Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Demonstrated ability to identify customer needs and develop business opportunities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Core Competencies: Customer Focus, Commercial Mindset, Relationship Management, Communication Skills, Accountability, Collaboration, Business Development, Results Orientation

KPI's - Success in this role may be measured through:

Number of opportunities successfully transitioned to Account Managers

Revenue growth within assigned accounts

New opportunity generation

Pipeline development and conversion

Customer retention and account growth

Customer responsiveness and service levels

CRM compliance and data quality

Salary Range: $66,000 to $89,000

The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

For more information on our benefits click here.

Department: Sales

Location: Wauconda, Illinois

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Reporting To: Sales Director

We are a diverse and growing workforce of over 1,000 people across eight countries globally. As we continue to grow, we want to ensure that Carbery Group continues to be a place where people are supported to develop and feel that they can do their best work. We are committed to driving growth, developing future capability and delivering results through our dedicated teams.

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and an inclusive workplace where your skills, perspectives, and experience help shape the future of our industry. Join us and be part of a team that values collaboration and makes a meaningful impact - from local communities to global markets.

Carbery Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering a supportive work environment.