Director, Sales Training & Development - Chicago, IL

Sales Training & Development Director - Chicago, IL

Full-time

We are seeking a highly collaborative and strategic Sales Training and Development Director to develop and implement a sales training and development within our matrixed organization. Operating across multiple regions, business lines, and functions, this role will establish a unified, data‑driven approach to sales capability development that strengthens our global commercial performance. You will advance and design scalable training programs that balance global consistency with local market relevance and develop sales leadership capabilities that align with our purpose to advance sustainable solutions for our customers worldwide.

• Develop and advance a scalable global sales training curriculum addressing consultative selling, solution development, and technical expertise.
• Create modular learning pathways adaptable to regional markets, product portfolios, and customer segments.
• Partner with regional sales leaders, marketing and technical leads to ensure content relevance and accuracy.
• Identify and manage a network of internal trainers, coaches, and external partners to deliver consistent, high‑impact learning experiences.

• Design and implement a Sales Leadership Excellence Program aimed at strengthening leadership capability in pipeline management, coaching, and performance accountability.
• Build global standards for coaching, talent development, and sales management practices while allowing regional flexibility.
• Facilitate peer learning forums to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across markets.

• Establish a global measurement framework to evaluate training effectiveness, capability uplift, and commercial impact.
• Analyze performance data to provide actionable insights to regional and global stakeholders.
• Continuously refine programs using feedback loops, learner analytics, and field performance outcomes.

• Operate effectively within a matrix structure, building strong partnerships across global, regional, and functional teams (Sales, HR, Marketing, Product, and Operations).
• Serve as a bridge between global strategy and local execution, ensuring alignment and mutual accountability.
• Influence without authority – engaging senior leaders, regional managers, and cross‑functional stakeholders to drive adoption and sustain momentum.
• Coordinate with HR Learning & Development to align sales training initiatives with broader talent development and succession planning efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, agricultural, education or related field (MBA or equivalent preferred).
• 10+ years’ experience in sales training, enablement, or capability development, preferably in a global or matrixed B2B organization.
• Background in B2B sales and/or sales leading function is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to design and lead capability programs that scale across diverse regions and product portfolios.
• Deep understanding of consultative and value‑based selling in B2B food or agricultural industry.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in complex, cross‑functional structures.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with digital learning platforms and blended learning methodologies.

• Influence without authority – builds alignment across diverse stakeholders in a matrix.
• Strategic and systems thinking – connects training initiatives to business strategy and performance outcomes.
• Cross‑cultural agility – adapts communication and learning approaches to different regions and cultures.
• Data‑driven decision‑making – uses metrics and insights to guide design and improvement.
• Collaborative leadership – fosters teamwork and shared ownership across global and regional teams.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability – demonstrates a ‘do‑it‑yourself’ attitude with a strong commitment to delivering results.

• Measurable improvement in sales effectiveness, customer…