Protein Sales Associate
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Job Description
About Cargill:
Cargill is a global company with a team of 160,000 employees. For over 157 years, they have been connecting farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need. They utilize new technologies, dynamic insights, and their extensive experience to achieve this. Cargill aims to build a stronger, more sustainable future and offers opportunities for career growth within a meaningful and impactful work environment.
Job Description: Protein Sales Associate
This is an entry-level position offering a structured one-year training program designed to develop future sales professionals within Cargill’s Protein business. The program is comprehensive, providing both theoretical and practical knowledge across various aspects of the business. Successful candidates will be placed in an account manager role following the completion of training.
Training Program (One Year):
The training program is individualized, localized, and business-facilitated, covering:
• Technical Understanding: Animal protein processing (process flow, yields, variances, USDA regulations, accounting, information technologies).
• Core Business Functions: Training in essential business operations.
• Leadership Development: Skills for future leadership roles.
• Professional Sales Training: Techniques and strategies for effective sales.
• Career Planning: Guidance for career progression within Cargill.
Training delivery includes a multi-level team environment, plant visits, processing facility visits, and time spent at corporate and Protein Headquarters and other offices. The program aims to familiarize trainees with business workflows and meat processing production, including food safety, products, markets, USDA regulations, and Cargill’s global reach. Associates will gain knowledge vital for success in sales leadership roles. Placement following the training will be based on both candidate interests and business needs.
Responsibilities Following Training (Account Manager Role):
• Direct Sales: Apply knowledge to sell directly to customers.
• Sales Processes: Develop and deliver sales bids, proposals, presentations, and product demonstrations.
• Customer Acquisition: Identify and contact prospective customers.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong customer relationships to generate repeat business.
• Independent Problem Solving: Handle sophisticated clerical, administrative, technical, and customer support issues independently, escalating only the most complex problems.
• Additional Duties: Building reports, participating in projects, and other tasks as assigned.
Potential Business Areas:
• Trade Sales (including Beef and Food Distribution)
• Retail Sales
• Protein Ingredient Sales
• Foodservice Sales
Compensation and Benefits:
• Annual Salary: $60,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, paid time off, comprehensive healthcare plans, short-term and long-term incentives, mental health and wellbeing programs, a digital learning library, retirement plans, paid time for volunteer work, tuition reimbursement, and relocation benefits (where applicable).
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (or currently pursuing) from an accredited program, graduating between December 2024 and May 2025.
• Geographic flexibility and willingness to relocate within the US.
• US work authorization (not solely based on a student visa or third-party employer sponsorship).
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and cultures.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• Team and individual contribution abilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bilingual (Spanish and English).
• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Management, or a similar field.
• Internship or co-op experience.
• 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Independent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with influencing abilities.
• Leadership experience.
Job Locations: Various US locations (Wichita, KS; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX are examples). Primarily office-based with occasional travel to plants for training (approximately 20% or less).
