Customer Development Specialist

Customer Development Specialist Location: US-IL-Itasca ID 2026-2784 Remote: No Category: Sales Position Type: Regular Full-Time Job Locations US-IL-Itasca About Us At Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition, we are making significant advances in food and health with new ideas and innovative technologies. We are seeking candidates with energy and enthusiasm to be part of our growing team throughout North America. As an Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition employee, you are part of a diverse, innovative, and collaborative community committed to enhancing lives through nutrition and health. Our team is committed to providing amino acid-based solutions that create better lives for all. We do not use AI to screen applications. Applications and resumes of qualified applicants are reviewed by a real person because we value your time and believe each qualified applicant deserves thoughtful, human consideration. It’s an old ‑ fashioned approach—done with purpose. Why Join Us Our people are the key ingredient to our success. We offer a collaborative, innovative environment where you can grow your career and make an impact on global food and health solutions. We provide a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package , including: • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity • 401(k) with Company Contributions • Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1 • Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays • Paid Parental Leave • Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement • Work Flexibility • Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities • Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization • Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support Overview The Customer Development Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, and growing relationships with both existing and prospective customers. This role serves as the primary point of contact for inbound leads generated through marketing campaigns, website inquiries, distributor referrals, trade shows, and other customer engagement activities. The Customer Development Specialist will identify customer needs, qualify opportunities, develop account growth strategies, and drive revenue growth through both account management and business development activities. This individual will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and work cross-functionally with Product Management, Marketing, R&D, Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Operations to deliver an exceptional customer experience. The Customer Development Specialist will manage customer relationships throughout the sales cycle, from lead qualification and opportunity development to ongoing account support and growth. Qualifications Education, Certifications and Experience BA/BS in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred (or equivalent work experience). Minimum of 2 years of experience in Account Management, Business Development, Territory Sales, Inside Sales, Outside Sales, Customer Development Specialist, Customer Success, or other revenue-generating customer-facing roles. Experience managing customer accounts and growing customer relationships. Experience working within CRM platforms such as Salesforce. Experience within food ingredients, foodservice, manufacturing, industrial products, distribution, or B2B sales environments preferred. Candidates who have held positions such as Account Manager, Sales Representative, Inside Sales Representative, Business Development Representative, Customer Development Specialist, Customer Success Manager, Customer Account Manager, Territory Sales Representative, Key Account Specialist, Sales Coordinator, Relationship Manager, Customer Success Representative, Distributor Sales Representative, or similar customer-facing sales roles may be especially successful in this position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Demonstrated ability to identify customer needs and recommend solutions. Ability to conduct effective discovery conversations and qualify opportunities. Proven ability to grow business within existing accounts while developing new opportunities. Strong customer service mindset with a focus on long-term relationship development. Ability to manage multiple customer requests, projects, and priorities simultaneously. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Experience achieving sales goals, revenue targets, or account growth objectives. Ability to influence and communicate effectively with all levels of an organization. Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM software. Ability to travel up to 5%, including occasional overnight travel. Working Conditions / Physical Requirements Working Conditions The Customer Development Specialist position will work primarily from the Itasca office and may work remotely one day per week. Employees are expected to work on-site a minimum of four days per week following onboarding and training. Occasional travel may be required for customer meetings, trade shows, conferences, and internal meetings. Responsibilities Primary Responsibilities Develop and maintain long-term strategic relationships with existing and prospective customers. Manage and qualify inbound leads generated through marketing campaigns, website inquiries, trade shows, and other channels. Conduct discovery conversations to understand customer needs, business objectives, challenges, and opportunities. Identify and develop opportunities for customer growth, account expansion, cross-selling, and upselling. Manage a portfolio of customer accounts and maintain regular customer engagement. Proactively identify new business opportunities within assigned accounts and territories. Achieve annual sales goals, revenue targets, and profit objectives. Collaborate closely with Product Management, Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, and Customer Service teams. Maintain accurate customer records, opportunities, activities, and follow-up plans within Salesforce. Serve as a liaison between customers and internal teams. Support customer product evaluations, trials, samples, and product recommendations. Follow up on customer inquiries and ensure timely resolution of customer concerns. Proactively communicate customer opportunities, challenges, and feedback to appropriate internal stakeholders. Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction and customer retention. Support forecasting, business planning, and account review activities. Assist with sales, marketing, business development, and customer service initiatives. Continuously develop knowledge of products, customers, market trends, and industry developments. Other duties as assigned. Salary Range 50K-55K EEO Statement Ajinomoto is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. 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