Customer Development Specialist

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.

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.

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

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.

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 with in food ingredients, food service, 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…