What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercial Manager - Food Ingredients - North America - European company position at CNS Worldwide Executive Search?
CNS Worldwide is recruiting a Commercial Manager – North America on behalf of a European-based company specialized in innovative food ingredients. The company is recognized for its strong R&D capabilities, technical expertise, and long-term partnerships within the global food industry.
This role is ideal for a commercially driven professional who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution and thrives at the intersection of market strategy, pricing, and cross-functional collaboration.
Role Overview
The Commercial Manager – North America is an individual contributor responsible for driving commercial strategy, market development, pricing management, and portfolio performance across assigned ingredient categories in the USA and Canada.
This position plays a critical role in connecting North American market opportunities with European R&D and supply chain capabilities, ensuring successful execution of a differentiated and value-driven commercial strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Market Development
- Define and execute the North American commercial strategy for assigned product categories.
- Identify growth opportunities, market trends, and competitive dynamics.
- Develop action plans to expand market share and strengthen customer relationships.
- Monitor and respond to competitive activity and pricing developments.
Portfolio & Pricing Management
- Manage and optimize the regional product portfolio based on customer needs and profitability objectives.
- Develop and implement pricing strategies aligned with value-based selling and margin targets.
- Provide pricing guidance for new product launches and strategic customer projects.
- Identify portfolio gaps and new innovation opportunities.
Sales & Project Pipeline Support
- Support sales teams and distributors with strategic account development.
- Monitor and prioritize the regional project pipeline from concept to commercialization.
- Collaborate with key customers to translate technical solutions into commercial success.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary commercial interface between North America and European R&D and supply chain teams.
- Align on development priorities, timelines, and feasibility.
- Support successful product launches and commercialization initiatives.
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in commercial management, product management, or technical-commercial roles within the food ingredients industry.
- Strong experience with emulsifiers, hydrocolloids, vitamins, and applications in baking, dairy, meat, and plant-based products is highly valued.
- Solid understanding of the North American food market and customer expectations.
- Ability to translate technical knowledge into commercially compelling solutions.
Work Environment & Travel
- Primarily on-site role to foster collaboration and team engagement.
- Hybrid flexibility: 1–2 days per week remote work depending on business needs.
- 20–30% travel within the USA and Canada to meet clients, attend trade shows, and participate in industry events.