Customer Development Manager

Interested in a career that matters? At Novonesis, we believe biology can help solve some of the world's biggest challenges. As a Customer Development Manager for Dairy & EMDI (Enzyme Modified Dairy Ingredients), you will play a critical role in accelerating growth across our Food & Beverage Biosolutions business in North America by connecting customers with commercial, technical, application, portfolio, and marketing expertise. This role sits within the North America Business Development Team and focuses on expanding customer relationships, commercializing new opportunities, and helping emerging customers grow into strategic business partners. You will join a collaborative, customer-focused team that works across functions to bring innovative biosolutions to market and create value for customers throughout the dairy and food & beverage industries.

The role & your impact This is a mixed operational, tactical, and strategic role with a strong focus on execution, growth development, and customer engagement. You will be responsible for identifying and advancing opportunities, driving commercialization efforts, and contributing directly to the growth of both the Dairy Inside Sales portfolio and the North American EMDI business.

Grow the Dairy Inside Sales portfolio through account planning, customer retention, penetration strategies, cross-selling, and upselling activities.

Own execution of the North American EMDI growth strategy, including pipeline development and commercialization efforts.

Identify, qualify, and advance new business opportunities while building compelling business cases for investment and growth.

Transition mature opportunities to Sales and Key Account Management teams for long-term expansion and customer management.

Lead Food & Beverage lead management activities, including qualification, prospecting, pipeline development, and market intelligence gathering.

Support pricing discussions, negotiations, and contract activities within delegated authority levels.

Build strong relationships with customers and collaborate closely with technical, application, portfolio, marketing, Sales, and KAM teams to deliver business results.

What you’ll need to be successful in this role Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Dairy Science, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in B2B sales, inside sales, business development, customer management, or similar commercial roles.

Experience using CRM systems and opportunity management tools.

Strong commercial acumen and customer relationship development skills.

Demonstrated ability to identify, qualify, and progress business opportunities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Proven ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.

Strong prioritization and organizational capabilities with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Self-motivated, customer-focused, and results-oriented mindset.

Additional skills & interests we value Experience in food ingredients, cultures, enzymes, dairy ingredients, or related food and beverage industries.

Understanding of commercialization processes and market development strategies.

Familiarity with customer growth planning and strategic account development.

Interest in emerging market opportunities and creating customer value through biosolutions.

Experience working with technical and commercial stakeholder groups in a matrix environment.

What we offer you The opportunity to influence growth initiatives across Dairy and EMDI markets in North America. Exposure to a broad network of commercial, technical, application, portfolio, and marketing professionals. A collaborative and purpose-driven culture focused on innovation and customer success. Opportunities for professional development and career growth within a global biosolutions company. A role where you can make a meaningful impact on business performance and customer outcomes.

Hybrid role based in West Allis, WI. Regular customer engagement through phone, virtual meetings, and digital channels. Customer visits as required to support opportunity development and commercialization. Up to 30% travel required. Fast-paced commercial environment requires effective prioritization and cross-functional collaboration.

Compensation & benefits Estimated salary range: USD $84,000 – $100,000 + 10% target bonus

401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time

Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance

Healthcare savings account option

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

All benefits begin on your first day

Application deadline: September 25, 2026

Our purpose guides the way. In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

In 2024, Chr. Hansen and Novozymes joined forces to form Novonesis. We are 10,000 people worldwide whose expertise spans more than 30 different industries. All around the world our biosolutions already create value for thousands of customers and benefit the planet. Our biosolutions enable feeding and fueling the world more sustainably, from healthy and sustainable nutrition to biofuel. Our biosolutions also reduce the use of fossil-based resources, chemicals, energy and water. And this is just the beginning.

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