Midwest Regional Sales Manager (Il, IN, MN, MO, OH, WI)

About the role:

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean label ingredients, we are a true partner. We collaborate with our customers in ways that respect people and the environment. A commitment to Purely Better™ drives our innovation team to discover new, on trend solutions. 

As a Regional Sales Manager, this role will lead foodservice sales execution across the Midwest region.  The position is responsible for developing and implementing a regional growth strategy focused on new customer acquisition, distributor development, and expanding relationships with existing customers.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results-driven sales leader with strong foodservice industry relationships and an entrepreneurial mindset. This is a remote role with approximately 50% travel.

How will you contribute:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute an annual regional business plan to drive market penetration and growth.
• Acquire new customers while expanding existing customer relationships across foodservice channels.
• Build and manage strong partnerships with distributors, operators, and broker networks.
• Deliver compelling sales presentations and product demonstrations to achieve revenue, margin, and KPI targets.
• Negotiate performance-based customer and distributor agreements.
• Execute national and account-specific sales programs.
• Implement pricing actions in collaboration with internal teams.
• Provide accurate monthly forecasts and maintain CRM activity in Salesforce.
• Monitor competitive activity and share market insights internally.
• Lead effective customer and internal meetings with clear outcomes and accountability.
• Manage travel and entertainment expenses within budget.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of successful foodservice sales experience; dispensed beverage experience preferred.
• Established distributor and operator relationships within the foodservice industry.
• Proven success in complex sales negotiations.
• Strong communication, organization, and presentation skills.
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual sales objectives.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight stays.

Work Environment:

• May involve exposure to allergens such as Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts and Sesame.

What Vibrant Ingredients can offer you:

• Generous time off for vacations
• Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Health & Wellness programs

More about us:

Vibrant Ingredients, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American-made products, which enhance both taste and functionality. Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor development, and a range of drying and blending technologies. Operating from four state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we ensure the accessibility of real, high-quality ingredients—helping our customers create better-for-you food and beverage for consumers.

"Improving the food and beverages consumed by providing real ingredients from nature that work."