Sales Executive (Damin) - Chicago based with travel to China

JOB TITLE: Sales Executive – Damin

DEPARTMENT: Commercial

REPORTS TO: Commercial Director (China HQ) and VP of Sales

LOCATION: Remote in Chicago, IL

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Finlays is committed to supporting the career advancement and wellbeing of our employees. We offer a range of comprehensive benefits, including a wellness program, learning and development allowance, and opportunities for mentorship and job shadowing, designed to support both personal and professional growth. We encourage continuous learning, collaboration, and the exploration of new skills and career pathways, helping you build a global network and thrive within an inclusive, supportive environment in our organization.

Other employee benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Company Matching
• Eligibility for Monthly / Annual Bonuses
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 10 Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteer Days Off
• Volunteer / Community Involvement

DESCRIPTION:

As a key member of the strategic joint venture between Finlays and Damin International, this role will be based within Finlays’ Commercial department, working full-time as part of the Finlays Solutions team, driving the expansion of Damin’s product portfolio across North America. The Sales Executive will work closely with and report functionally to Finlays’ VP of Foodservice Sales and Damin’s Commercial Director (China HQ), supporting the group’s business growth objectives.

This unique position bridges both organizations, combining Damin’s world-class manufacturing and product development with Finlays’ established commercial network and customer relationships.

The ideal candidate will create sales opportunities within the retail beverage and food services markets, managing relationships with both existing and prospective customers. Collaboration with R&D, Logistics, and Production teams will be essential to develop and present tailored solutions that meet market demands and customer needs. All efforts must align with Finlays’ mission, values, ethics, and strategic objectives.

ABOUT US:

Damin International, headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a globally renowned food and beverage manufacturer providing raw materials, consumer products, and one-stop solutions across beverage retail, food service, health food, and healthcare industries. Damin is committed to promoting healthy living and leads innovation in natural plant ingredients such as tea, coffee, and botanicals through world-class research and development.

Since 1750, Finlays has served as the industry’s trusted leader in the supply of tea, coffee, and botanical extracts to the world’s beverage brand owners. Through engaged employees and a continuous improvement mindset, Finlays has grown this legacy in the North and South American regions. Finlays Solutions delivers safe and consistent “fit for purpose” quality products and services, meeting regulatory requirements and customer expectations by being an integrated, customer-centric solution provider. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• BS / BA in Business or Food Science Nutrition, International Trade, Business or other related fields
• Minimum 3 years of professional selling experience in the US Food & Beverage retail branded, private label industry, or food services sector
• Proven track record of exceeding sales objectives and quotas.
• Capable of independently developing clients and managing full sales processes.
• Strong understanding of ingredient labeling laws, food regulations, and application in industrial manufacturing contexts.
• Ability to professionally interact with all levels of an organization and across geographical regions.
• Strong presentation, communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Must be a highly motivated self-starter, organized, able to prioritize and multi-task with leadership skills.
• Proficient computer skills; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Excellent English communication skills; Chinese proficiency and/or China experience is a strong plus.
• CRM experience. 
• Existing U.S. client base or distribution experience is highly desirable.
• Required to travel to China on a regular basis.

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Home / Office Setting: The role is primarily based in an office environment with standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Team Collaboration: Frequent interaction with team members and other departments, requiring effective communication and collaboration.
• Noise Level: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, typical of an office setting.
• Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Communication: Regularly required to talk and hear, both in person and over the phone.
• Mobility: Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Lifting: May occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

 
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

Finlays Americas is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.