Jobs in Lake County, IL

About the role

The Category Development Manager CDM – Beverage leads the commercial strategy and growth of Synergy’s Beverage business, with primary responsibility for identifying, targeting, and converting new beverage customers and growth opportunities.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing (with strong technical acumen) or Food Science, Chemistry
• 8+ years job related experience in product management, marketing, and/or sales in the food ingredients and/or flavor industry.
• Experience in new product development from conception to market launch.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams to execute strategies.
• Customer-centric, high-energy self-starter who thrives in external engagement, industry forums, and collaborative environments.
• Strong commercial and solution-selling skills with a track record of identifying opportunities, engaging customers, and converting them into growth.
• Compelling communicator with executive presence
• able to sell ideas, insights, and value propositions to customers, partners, and senior leaders.
• Highly effective networker and relationship builder who connects customers, market insights, and internal capabilities to create new opportunities.
• Leads through influence, aligning cross-functional teams and driving action without formal authority.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn consumer and market data into clear customer recommendations and business decisions.
• Deep understanding of the flavor and food ingredient marketplace and competitive landscape.