Now Hiring - Pure Seed - Professional Services Field Sales Account Manager in Chicago, IL

Full description of the position

Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (TCI) is a globally recognized leader in the manufacturing of specialty organic chemicals. Founded in 1946 in Tokyo, TCI offers more than 30,000 products and supports global research and development through custom synthesis and high-purity reagents. With international operations in North America, Europe, China, and India, TCI is positioned to serve scientific communities worldwide with speed, precision, and quality. *Summary - *TCI America is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated entry-level Field Sales Account Manager based in the Chicago, Illinois area. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or early-career professionals with a degree in Chemistry who are passionate about science and eager to launch a career in the chemical reagent industry. No prior sales experience is required- we're looking for someone who is proactive, eager to learn, and excited to apply their scientific background in a customer-facing role. You'll work closely with academic institutions, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial R&D labs to support their research needs through high-quality reagent solutions. This role is central to driving revenue growth through direct customer engagement, territory management, and strategic outreach. Responsibilities include managing existing accounts, pursuing new business opportunities, and maintaining strong, long-term relationships through regular in-person visits, prompt follow-ups, and clear documentation of sales activity. Success in this position requires excellent communication skills, a customer-first mindset, and the ability to identify and refer opportunities for custom synthesis or bulk orders to internal teams. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Meet or exceed sales targets within the assigned territory. * Develop and maintain strong relationships with key and prospective customers through regular in-person visits, phone calls, and email communication. * Conduct a minimum of 40 customer visits per month, including one week of business travel each month; Travel requirement ranges from a minimum of 25% to a maximum of 50%, depending on business needs. * Execute sales strategies and initiatives as directed by sales leadership. * Gather customer feedback and provide regular reports and insights to management. * Develop and maintain effective customer relations with end users and purchasing agents within assigned territory. * Independently make decisions but also utilize available resources to meet customer needs and work effectively with cross-functional team to ensure customer satisfaction. * Seek out broader relationships within accounts to help facilitate networking and prospecting. * Research competitor and industry activity and keep informed of new products/services and other general information of interest to customers. * Introduce new products and services to existing customers. * Maintain accurate reporting, records, and files necessary for proper management of territory. * Communicate with your manager and internal team on any customer issues or potential problems. * Maintain an understanding of activities, industry trends, government regulations & technical developments as they pertain to target accounts. * Prospect for custom synthesis and bulk projects to be manufactured at TCI. * Coordinate with TCI regarding sales potential or sales issues related to custom projects with Inside Bulk Sales Team. * Represent TCI at trade association meetings, exhibitions, symposiums, and vendor shows to promote sales growth. * Positively represent TCI at all times throughout customer locations, at tradeshows, etc. Supervisory Responsibilities - This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Competencies : * Analytical Thinking - Effectively gathers, interprets, and communicates complex or varied information; conducts research to support decision-making and customer needs; leverages both data analysis and industry experience to inform actions and recommendations. * Collaboration - Builds strong working relationships across teams; offers support to colleagues; works constructively to address and resolve conflicts. Regularly exchange successful sales techniques and challenge-solving approaches with colleagues to drive mutual growth and achieve collective sales targets. * Communication - Communicates clearly and professionally with internal teams and customers; shares updates on customer needs and project status; actively seeks input when needed. * Customer Focus - Handles customer interactions with professionalism and empathy; responds promptly to inquiries; seeks and incorporates customer feedback to improve service. * Innovation & Adaptability - Proactively suggests improvements to processes and solutions; demonstrates creativity and resilience in addressing customer challenges and evolving market needs. * Industry & Product Knowledge - Demonstrates solid understanding of chemical reagents and customer applications; quickly learns new products and developments with minimal supervision. *Drive & Initiative *- Consistently sets ambitious goals; maintains a positive, can-do attitude; demonstrates persistence in the face of challenges. * Planning & Organization - Effectively prioritizes and plans daily activities; adapts to shifting priorities while maintaining focus on key objectives and deadlines. * Problem Solving - Identifies issues efficiently; gathers relevant data to analyze root causes; presents practical, science-based solutions to customers and internal teams. * Project & Account Management - Manages multiple accounts and projects simultaneously; communicates updates proactively; ensures timely completion of tasks and follow-through. * Professionalism - Maintains composure under pressure; demonstrates reliability, integrity, and accountability in all interactions. * Quality Orientation - Delivers accurate, high-quality work; uses feedback constructively to enhance performance; continuously seeks to improve sales and service processes. * Productivity & Results Focus - Meets or exceeds performance benchmarks; manages time effectively to maximize customer engagement and sales results. * Technical Expertise - Continually expands technical knowledge of chemical reagents and customer industries; shares expertise with peers and customers to support informed decision-making. Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Education & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related scientific field from an accredited four-year institution. No previous sales experience required. - Communication Skills - Strong ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical and regulatory documents, including safety protocols, operating manuals, and standard procedures. Skilled in writing clear reports, business correspondence, and procedural documents. Able to present information effectively and respond to questions from customers, colleagues, and management. - Mathematical Skills - Proficient in basic math operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. - Critical Thinking & Reasoning - Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems and adapt to a range of non-standardized situations. Capable of interpreting and executing instructions delivered in written, oral, schematic, or schedule formats. - Technical & Computer Skills - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experienced with SAP or similar ERP systems. Must be comfortable using digital tools to manage customer data, reports, and communications. - Certifications & Licenses - Valid driver's license with a clean driving record is required. - Additional Requirements - Frequent overnight and day travel is expected. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility, strong multitasking abilities, discretion with confidential information, and the capacity to manage competing priorities in a dynamic work environment. - Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as well as climb stairs and ladders. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. - Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. TCI America is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Pay & Benefits Pay: $45,000 - $55,000 depending on education and experience. - Eligible for a quarterly incentive bonus of up to $16,000 annually. Benefits: Eligible for benefits the first of the month following 30 continuous days of employment: * Medical/Vision * Dental * 401(K) Matching * Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD, STD * Flexible Spending Accounts * Business Travel Insurance Eligible for benefits after 30 days of continuous employment: * PTO & Paid Holidays Eligibility varies based on hire date: * Free Costco Membership * Employee Referral Program Job Type: Full-time Pay: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: Remote