Sales Support Specialist

Our client is a highly respected and financially strong global food manufacturer is seeking a high-potential commercial professional to support one of the most recognizable quick-service restaurant systems in the world.This is not a traditional sales role.This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys the intersection of customer strategy, project management, analytics, commercialization, supply chain coordination, and relationship management within a highly complex foodservice environment.The organization is looking for someone with strong business acumen, analytical capability, and executive presence who can grow into a long-term business leadership role over time.Why This Role Stands OutDirect Exposure to a Major Global QSR BrandThis individual will work closely with one of the largest and most recognizable restaurant systems in the world, supporting highly visible product launches, commercialization initiatives, and customer programs across North America.Unique Career RunwayLeadership is intentionally seeking someone with long-term growth potential who can eventually evolve into a broader commercial leadership position within the organization.Highly Collaborative & Cross-FunctionalThis role operates at the center of Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Commercialization, Product Development, and Customer Strategy.Stable, Values-Driven OrganizationThe company has an exceptional reputation, strong culture, long employee tenure, and a collaborative leadership team focused on long-term growth and development.What You’ll OwnSupport customer-facing commercial initiatives tied to national product launches, promotions, and limited-time offersPartner closely with leadership on customer strategy, execution, and commercialization activitiesCoordinate timelines, deliverables, and communication across multiple manufacturing facilities and internal teamsAssist in managing complex product rollouts from concept through commercializationAnalyze sales performance, product movement, pricing trends, and business data to support decision-makingBuild reporting, dashboards, and presentations that help leadership and customers understand business performanceSupport ongoing communication with customer teams regarding timelines, product readiness, supply considerations, and launch executionWork cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, Finance, Marketing, and Project Management teamsHelp organize and interpret large amounts of business data into actionable insights and recommendationsParticipate in customer meetings, business reviews, and commercialization discussionsDevelop a deep understanding of food manufacturing operations, supply chain complexity, and customer systemsIdeal Background5–10 years of experience in food manufacturing, foodservice, CPG, commercial strategy, sales support, account management, business analytics, or commercializationExperience supporting large customer accounts or complex foodservice/QSR environments strongly preferredStrong Excel, reporting, and analytical skills including pivot tables and data analysisComfortable managing multiple moving pieces within a fast-paced commercial environmentStrong communication and relationship-building skillsAbility to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authorityHigh level of organization, accountability, and follow-throughStrong business maturity with long-term growth potentialFood manufacturing experience strongly preferredAdditional HighlightsHybrid schedule with downtown Chicago office exposureSignificant executive visibilityExposure to large-scale commercialization and supply chain operationsOpportunity to learn directly from experienced commercial leadershipStrong compensation, benefits, and long-term advancement potential