Location: Erie, PA or Buffalo, NY with regional travel across the Northeastern U.S.
Job Type: Full-Time, Remote
Salary: Base salary plus variable compensation with potential annual earnings of $90,000+
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, company-issued vehicle, and much more!
About Us: At Nelson-Jameson, we've been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth-for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we'd love to have you join us!
Job Summary: At Nelson-Jameson, we deliver solutions that help our customers succeed in dairy manufacturing. We're looking for an entry-level Dairy Ingredients Associate to join our team. This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with dairy ingredients such as cheese cultures and enzymes while working directly with customers in cheese plants.
You'll travel primarily regionally across Pennsylvania, New York, and the northeastern U.S., while working closely with experienced team members to develop the technical expertise needed for future advancement. Designed as a growth track, this position is perfect for recent graduates or early-career individuals looking to build their careers in the dairy industry, gaining valuable exposure to different plant environments and the inner workings of dairy manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities: - Provide Technical Support: Offer technical support for dairy ingredients, including cheese cultures, enzymes, and related applications, with guidance from senior team members when necessary.
- Collaborate with Sales and Customers: Work independently with customers in cheese plants to assist with dairy ingredient applications, and collaborate with senior team members and Strategic Account Managers for more complex solutions.
- Drive Sales & Growth : Support the promotion of dairy ingredient products, while learning how to identify opportunities for sales and product expansion, with autonomy over day-to-day customer interactions.
- Customer Service Excellence: Ensure high-quality, timely, and accurate technical support for customers, working independently to handle most inquiries and escalating complex issues when needed.
- Identify Opportunities: Proactively identify opportunities to expand product offerings and solutions, working independently to find growth areas while receiving support from senior team members as needed.
- Training & Education: Engage in training and development to deepen your understanding of dairy ingredients and the cheese-making process, while applying your learning to assist customers and grow into a more senior role.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Collaborate with Sales, Product Management, and Marketing independently to support customer needs and business goals, with guidance from senior team members as required.
- Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, technical solutions, and product applications, contributing to team reporting and tracking progress.
Why Nelson-Jameson? At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You'll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.
As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you'll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.
With Nelson-Jameson, you'll receive: - Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
- 401(k) with company match
- Competitive Compensation: Base salary plus variable compensation with potential annual earnings of $90,000+
- Established sales territory
- Paid time off at time of hire
- Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
- Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
- Company provided cell phone, credit card, and vehicle
- Autonomy & freedom to manage your own schedule
- And much more!
Qualifications & Skills: - Required:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: Minimum 2+ years of hands-on experience in dairy ingredients, cheese-making, dairy plant production, or related technical fields..
- Travel: Ability to travel 50% of the time (primarily regionally across the East Coast, but also to other regions of the U.S.). Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Preferred:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related fields.
- Industry Experience: 3+ years in a combination of dairy ingredients, cheese cultures, cheese coagulation, enzymes, dairy safety practices, or related technical experience.
- Sales Experience: Previous experience or exposure in technical sales or business development in the dairy or food manufacturing industries is highly desirable.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficient or familiar with ERP, CRM, and Google Suite tools.
- Certifications: Additional certifications or courses related to dairy manufacturing, food safety, HACCP, or related areas are highly beneficial.
- Spanish-English bilingual ability is a plus.
How to Apply: If you're ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site!
Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.