JOB VACANCY based in SARASOTA, FLORIDA

TECHNICAL SALES ASSOCIATE

Position Description/Overview:

This varied and busy full time position is responsible for supporting the General Manager in the overall operation of Lionel Hitchen (USA).  The job holder will be responsible for representing the company’s products and capabilities to existing and potential customers. 
This role requires the job holder to have excellent communication skills and would require a technical understanding of the industry. The office is located in beautiful Sarasota, Florida. The work environment is casual but dynamic and will require USA and international travel (between 25-40% of workload).

A valid Passport is required. To apply for this position applicants must have relevant visas in place.

 Position Responsibilities:

• Fully manage and develop the customer accounts and/or territory as assigned by General Manager including planning and executing visits to clients.
• Prepare and deliver sales presentations to customers including new and existing flavors and raw materials developed by the Lionel Hitchen (Essential Oils) team.
• Establish and develop relationships with key customer contacts.
• Continually evaluate business potential for margin or volume enhancement.
• Participate in relevant Industry Trade shows.
• Prepare and distribute reports after each trip.
• Support GM in all sales functions including trading operations as needed.
• Liaise with UK R&D and Sales teams as needed.
• Undertake such duties as may reasonably be required by the company from time to time

 Skills

• Proven time management skills
• Detail oriented
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Self starter with desire to learn
• Good computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Databases and Internet usage.

 Required Experience

• 4 year degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related scientific field. A Business degree with sufficient technical experience will also be considered.
• 3-5 years experience in one of the following food or beverage related roles: Flavorist, Product Development, Applications, Production, Sales or Marketing.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the Citrus, Spice, Flavor or Food Ingredients Industries.
• Fluency in Spanish 
• Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Flavorist or similar.
• Experience with International Trade.