Executive Director

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Location: Chicago, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 75%

SUMMARY

Responsible for managing all aspects of driving all recruitment, growth and policy-related initiatives within elmspring, and support the development and scaling of its portfolio of current and alumni companies. Also directly responsible for managing each cohort’s participation in required curriculum, mentor utilization, and “pitch presentation readiness.”

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Manage recruitment and participate in the selection of each cohort’s companies.
  • Provide strategy consulting to companies in areas such as business model, client acquisition, overall strategy, financing, fundraising, market research, operations, contract negotiations, etc.
  • Manage the implementation and execution of the curriculum schedule, which will include: mentors, pitch preparedness, etc.
  • Cultivate and manage new and existing investor relationships for a fruitful pitch day.
  • Manage and communicate with mentor portfolio who work one-on-one with companies.
  • Assess target sectors, real estate and technology for gaps and entrepreneurial opportunities in partnership with stakeholders.
  • Manage relationships, contracts, research, policy change, negotiations, and evaluation activities.
  • Build high-level relationships with key national and local institutions.
  • Develop and manage events as needed.
  • This position reports directly to the Founders of company and works collaboratively with the marketing partner.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Finance, Business Administration, or a related and/or equivalent field and a minimum of seven years of business experience, preferably working in private sector roles in areas such as real estate, technology, law, business strategy, finance or consulting roles are a must. MBA, JD or MPP is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, strong writing skills, quantitative and analytical abilities. Proven experience and understanding of policy, evaluation, business, and finance. Follow-through, and demonstrated ability to cultivate, build, and maintain strong working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are a must. The ideal candidate will also have strong leadership and project management skills (goal-setting, organization, and implementation, and a passion for entrepreneurship (drive and experience), real estate and/or technology; have the ability to take initiative; adaptive, assertive, organized and autonomous in a fast-paced environment; able to quickly get up to speed on various business models and industries, and provide value-add advice to the full range of cohort companies; willingness to assist and work closely with the Executive team in organizational, strategic and innovative capacities; and must work well in collaboration with others on strategic teams. Previous experience in developing and successfully exiting a ‘start-up’ and or/real estate company is also highly preferred.  To perform this job successfully, candidates should be proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  

Bookkeeper

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for maintaining sales, purchase, and general ledgers, and account analysis for operating businesses, real estate investment ventures and property level accounting; including resolution of queries from both external and internal customers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Review and approve invoicing; enter payable/receivable invoices in QuickBooks.
  • Monitor accounts receivable and perform collection duties when invoices are past due including resending invoices, issuing monthly statements, and contacting customers for payment.
  • Perform analysis of projects to monitor progress, profitability, and comparison of actual costs and time spent to estimated amounts.  
  • Prepare monthly journal entries and account analysis as assigned.
  • Maintain financial records; manage financial oversight and forecasting.
  • Process Payroll using Paychex and prepare payroll worksheets; match and send out payroll checks and correspondence.
  • Submit reports to Executive management on a monthly basis.
  • Work closely with accounting firm to file required City/State/Federal reports; file reports to multiple tax agencies.
  • Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations including bank and credit cards.
  • Responsible for accurate and timely processing of all accounts payable invoices.
  • Assists in external audits.
  • Reconcile vendor statements, research and correct discrepancies.
  • Review monthly operating performance vs. budget; assist in the preparation of the annual budget.
  • Manage cash flow and transfers between accounts; provide Executive management with cash and operating forecasts monthly, as necessary or requested.
  • Prepare Expense reports and reimbursements.
  • Close the general ledger at month end including all necessary adjustments and journal entries.
  • Work with property management team in property level accounting, including entering rents and expenses, tracking various tenant fees, expense reimbursements, etc.
  • Summarize property level cash flows and calculate returns (cash flow and internal rate of return) on real estate investments.
  • Prepare financials summary reports for owners and investors.
  • Identify inefficiencies and/or cost savings in various companies.
  • Internal and external transfers to and from 30+ bank accounts.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors degree in Finance or Accounting, and/or in a related or equivalent field and a minimum of two-plus years of bookkeeping experience using QuickBooks is required.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to compile information and create reports on an as needed basis are a must. Additionally, the ideal candidate must have the ability to work under strict timelines and be able to manage large amounts of data in an organized fashion.

Masters degree in Finance or Accounting, and/or in a related or equivalent field is preferred. Real estate background and/or experience working in a sales environment is extremely preferred.

 

Graphic Design Administrative Assistant/Front Desk Receptionist

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for in-house graphic design projects, front desk reception, and providing administrative support as needed to leadership.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Develop graphic designs for a variety of in-house projects including, but not limited to: marketing collateral, website updates, social media graphics, etc.
  • Keep all in-house marketing material (print & media) up to date.
  • Provide light marketing support for drip campaigns, flyers, etc.  
  • Draft, edit and/or proofread all design and marketing materials created.
  • Greet visitors in a professional and pleasant manner.
  • Receive incoming calls and ensure all questions are answered and all needs are met; direct to appropriate person.
  • Support leadership team’s administrative and/or project support needs.
  • Distribute incoming mail.
  • Perform various other administrative duties on an as needed basis.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two-plus years of graphic design experience and three-plus years of administrative and/or office support experience are required. A proficiency in graphic design software such as InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator and Microsoft Office applications are also required.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. A candidate with high energy, strong multi-tasking skills, and excellent communication skills (written and oral) is also preferred.  High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to compile information and create reports on an as needed basis are a must. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is highly preferred.

 

Real estate background with MLS experience/familiarity are extremely preferred.

Sales Director

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Location: Lake Zurich, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 10%

SUMMARY

Responsible for driving the company’s growth through sales efforts. This position will proactively identify and close new business, and will also be responsible for developing and maintaining long-term relationships with new and existing customers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Create, identify, and manage sales objectives for the sales department.
  • Train and supervise all new and existing sales personnel; evaluate work performance & provide employee reviews, merit structure & increases; provide coaching when needed
  • Identify key clients and decision makers.
  • Manage existing customer base and generate growth from these accounts.
  • Create and manage yearly sales and marketing budget, negotiate contracts, forecast sales activities and create a structured plan for growth.
  • Design and implement strategic sales plans.
  • Review market analyses to determine client needs, price, schedules and strategy.
  • Understand and adapt to factors that influence business.
  • Stay current with the industry and understand competitor strengths and weaknesses.
  • Establish a strong working relationship with existing accounts to grow their business.
  • Identify and establish communication with new clients and integrate them into the sales systems; plan and coordinate client contact with target companies and track their sales progress.
  • Generate quotes solely or with the assistance of the Project Management Team to be delivered to clients in a timely and professional manner.
  • Monitor activities involving sales, market trends, client requirements, new methods/processes required, and new market and account growth.
  • Continue to develop and maintain sales account database.
  • Serves as a liaison for all job related items between clients and company’s Project Management team; gather & understand all project spec requirements prior to project kickoff with a Project Manager.
  • Inspect all projects before delivery to clients to ensure quality is consistent with company’s standard and customer specifications.
  • Prepare monthly reports, to summarize current activities and goals involving sales; report on sales trends and provide forecasts based upon these trends.
  • Prepare and host monthly Sales Team meetings to review existing sales, forecast upcoming sales, discuss trends and prospects, and provide training and guidance to the Team.
  • Develop promotional materials for off-site sales events, as needed, within budget.
  • Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences and customer events; order supplies for trade shows; organize, set up, and attend trade shows, and report on industry trends and developments.
  • Provide value added customer experiences when working with clients and follow-up on individual sales activity.
  • Manages and complies with the company’s ISO requirements.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of five-plus year(s) of experience in inside sales identifying and closing new sales opportunities as well as growing existing customer sales are required. Three-plus year(s) of demonstrated sales leadership experience and a proficiency in MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and QuickBooks, are also required.

A self-motivated candidate with experience creating PowerPoint sales presentations and using visual aid tools such as: graphics, charts, etc. is also preferred. Additionally, a candidate with high energy, strong multi-tasking skills, and excellent communication skills (specifically, presentation skills) is preferred. A highly attentive candidate with a strong business acumen and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment also preferred.

Technical industry knowledge of CNC Machining, Engineering, Manufacturing, or Prototyping as well as an understanding of 2D entering prints, drawings, and 3D CAD files are preferred. The ability to accurately measure parts using calipers, micrometers, etc. is also preferred.

The ability to generate sales from new and existing clients in the CNC Machining, Engineering Manufacturing, Model Making, and Rapid Prototyping industries and/or previous experience working in a creative manufacturing environment are strongly preferred.

Front Desk Office Support

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Location: Skokie, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

 

SUMMARY

Responsible for front desk reception and providing /office support as needed.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Greet visitors in a professional and pleasant manner.
  • Receive incoming calls and ensure all questions are answered and all needs are met; direct to appropriate person.
  • Support leadership team’s administrative and/or project support needs.
  • Answer incoming calls providing excellent customer service on an as needed basis.
  • Respond to customer emails in a timely manner.
  • Assist with providing light marketing support for drip campaigns, flyers, etc.
  • Schedule calls and/or make appointments for leadership team; maintain calendars for leadership team.
  • Compile information into reports for internal use.
  • Escalate issues to executive management when necessary.
  • Distribute incoming mail
  • Perform various other administrative duties on an as needed basis.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three-plus years of administrative and/or office support experience are required. Two-plus years of customer service experience and a proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also required.

The ideal candidate must have a demonstrated ability to problem solve with minimal direction and supervision; solution focused. A candidate with high energy, strong multi-tasking skills, and excellent communication skills (written and oral) is also preferred. High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, ability to manage time effectively, and ability to compile information and create reports on an as needed basis are a must. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is highly preferred.

Real estate background with MLS experience/familiarity are extremely preferred. Light experience with marketing (drip campaigns, flyers, etc.) is also preferred.

 

Marketing Specialist

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Location: Barrington, IL
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for developing, designing and maintaining concepts to support marketing campaigns. Support the pipeline of advertising by using graphic art knowledge to partner images with current product.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities may include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Supervises, trains and develops all marketing staff.
  • Strategize with leadership regarding big picture marketing goals.
  • Oversees all marketing functions: marketing content, website updates, etc.
  • Plan promotion activities including print, online, electronic media and direct mail.
  • Create and review content for website.
  • Provide insights to optimize current strategies and accelerate growth.
  • Perform other marketing duties/tasks on an as needed basis.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or Business Administration or in a related or equivalent field.
  • Three-plus years of marketing experience, preferably in business-to-business (B2B).
  • Three-plus years of demonstrated leadership experience.
  • Experienced with launching new products.
  • Proficient with Mac OS.
  • Knowledgeable of MS Office.
  • Advanced in Mac based graphic solutions and software.

Preferred:

  • Strong quantitative skills for effective problem solving.
  • Innovative, resourceful and efficient.
  • Experienced with tools, platforms and technologies to analyze market channels.
  • Generates creative solutions.
  • Evidence good judgment, initiative and a proactive nature.
  • Customer service oriented.
  • Strategy building abilities.

Regional Sales Manager

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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Status: Full Time
Travel: 50%

SUMMARY

Responsible to drive the company’s growth in the designated region through multiple channels, including natural, specialty gourmet, grocery, specialty coffee, specialty tea, and food service retailers and distributors. This position will proactively prospect and close new business on a direct basis and through our network of distributors, and will also be responsible for developing and maintaining long-term relationships with new and existing customers.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Prospect, network and meet with key clients and decision makers.
  • Manage existing independent sales representatives and/or designated brokers within the region.
  • Exceed sales goals by closing new sales and establishing long-term relationships.
  • Manage existing customer base within region and generate growth from these accounts.
  • Manage budget, negotiate contracts, forecast sales activities and plan for growth.
  • Design and implement strategic sales plans.
  • Review market analyses to determine client needs, price schedules and strategy.
  • Understand and adapt to factors that influence business regionally and nationally.
  • Stay current with the industry and understand competitor strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analyze sales data, identify market expansion opportunities and recommend product line improvements to strengthen market position.
  • Generate and present sales reports and provide consistent and direct feedback to the VP – Sales and teammates on the sales, marketing and procurement teams.
  • Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences and customer events.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of three-plus years of sales experience in the food and beverage and/or hotel and hospitality industry. One-plus years of demonstrated leadership experience is required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred. Additionally, sales experience in the Central region is also preferred.

Regional Account Manager

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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Status: Full Time
Travel: Up to 50% (mostly within local market; overnight travel limited)

SUMMARY

Responsible for contributing to the company’s growth of the region through new customer acquisition, customer retention, and realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base. Also, by prospecting both inbound and outbound leads.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Uncover growth opportunities within current customer base.
  • Maintain daily contact with both current and prospective customers.   
  • Visit with key decision makers; build and strengthen relationships.
  • Work with all teams to process orders and successfully coordinate business needs.
  • Present new products to current accounts; close new business within these accounts.
  • Solicit new business opportunities in designated markets by visiting accounts in person.
  • Manage the market by working with distribution partners and direct customers.
  • Perform lead follow-ups via email and phone, and place outbound cold calls for new prospects.
  • Assist Regional Sales Director by producing reports outlining the new business opportunities and reviewing sales targets and goals for upcoming period(s).
  • Support the Regional Sales Director in assigned region on an as needed basis.
  • Utilize company CRM/ERP for all aspects of account management: lead generation and contact, accounts set up (following appropriate procedures as developed by A/R) to complete order cycle.
  • Provide clear expectations and information regarding out-of-stocks, new product arrivals, order fulfillment times, shipping and all other trouble-shooting required for account management.
  • Work across departments to ensure customers’ needs are met in all areas including A/R, new product development (R&D, compliance, purchasing), blending, production, fulfillment, shipping and creative.
  • Provide superior level of customer service and account management.
  • Educate existing customers about new and existing products as well as tea brewing techniques and general tea knowledge.
  • Conduct in-market sales calls and customer visits including coordinating tea classes, demonstrations and presentations as approved by the RSD
  • In-person visits to market as assigned by Regional Sales Director or Company executive on an as needed basis.
  • Responsible for being aware of, and following, all food safety protocols as required by company’s food safety management system, as they relate to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of one-plus years of inside sales experience (growing sales through new customer acquisition and/or customer retention and/or realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base) are required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred.

Private Label/International Account Manager

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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for supporting both the Director of International Sales and the Director of Private Label Sales by contributing to the company’s growth of these channels by managing and supporting key customer relationships and through new customer acquisition, customer retention, and realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base. Also, by prospecting both inbound and outbound leads.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Uncover international and private label growth opportunities within current customer base(s) – focusing on larger customers.
  • Maintain daily contact with both current and prospective customers.   
  • Visit with key decision makers; build and strengthen relationships.
  • Work with all teams to process orders and successfully coordinate business needs.
  • Present new products to current accounts; close new business within these accounts.
  • Manage the market by working with distribution partners and direct customers.
  • Perform lead follow-ups via email and phone, and place outbound cold calls for new prospects.
  • Assist Supervisor(s) by producing reports outlining the new business opportunities and reviewing sales targets and goals for upcoming period(s).
  • Utilize company CRM/ERP for all aspects of account management: lead generation and contact, accounts set up (following appropriate procedures as developed by A/R) to complete order cycle.
  • Provide clear expectations and information regarding out-of-stocks, new product arrivals, order fulfillment times, shipping and all other trouble-shooting required for account management.
  • Work across departments to ensure customers’ needs are met in all areas including A/R, new product development (R&D, compliance, purchasing), blending, production, fulfillment, shipping and creative.
  • Provide superior level of customer service and account management.
  • Educate existing customers about new and existing products as well as tea brewing techniques and general tea knowledge.
  • Responsible for being aware of, and following, all food safety protocols as required by company’s food safety management system, as they relate to this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of one-plus years of inside sales experience (growing sales through new customer acquisition and/or customer retention and/or realizing growth opportunities within the current customer base) are required.

The ideal candidate must possess a demonstrated passion for selling and growing business in an entrepreneurial environment as well as the ability to sell into large customers/accounts. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, strong presentation skills and a high level of comfort explaining or demonstrating products to a variety of individuals/groups are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with strong customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred.

 

Buyer

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Location: Milwaukee, WI
Status: Full Time
Travel: Minimal

SUMMARY

Responsible for accurately and precisely planning and buying high quality cost effective products from vendors at the best possible price with a minimum of capital investment while achieving a high level of customer service.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Responsible for procurement and delivery of assigned goods or services needed to meet customer deadlines.
  • Initiate transactions for Marketing, Packaging & Concentrates.
  • Expertise in analyzing inventory order patterns and sales data to provide input for strategic purchasing decisions; negotiate pricing and handle price dispute resolutions.
  • Solicit and evaluate quotations, place and amend purchase orders, and follow up on vendor commitments for assigned goods or services; manage vendor relationships.
  • Maintain the accuracy of purchase item data.
  • Analyze and solve complex purchasing problems with other departments.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve purchasing procedures.
  • Recommend process improvements and innovative solutions to support achievement of goals as related to vendors and goods or services.   
  • Create Purchase Orders (PO), review, and analyze PO details by conducting receiving audits.
  • Manage and track all customer orders.
  • Successfully transact and build competencies with inbound logistics.
  • Analyze and coordinate transactions for other procurement spend as directed.
  • Solicit and provide necessary documentation for compliance and A/P Vouchers.
  • Perform reporting duties on a frequent basis.
  • Analyze, maintain and evolve Purchasing Plans;
  • Follow all food safety protocols as required by food safety management system, as related to this position.
  • Provide direct and up to date Purchasing insight through Buyer activities.
  • Demonstrate an aptitude for supporting procurement activities as it pertains to analysis of purchasing, inventory and cost accounting.
  • Conduct transactional duties – Procurement to Accounts Payable.
  • Support Executive Leadership objectives.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelors Degree in any concentration and a minimum of one-plus year(s) of vendor contract negotiation and buy budget management experience are required. Experience issuing Purchase Orders using a CRM and/or ERP system and advanced Microsoft Excel abilities are also required. A self-motivated and proactive candidate with a strong sense of collaboration is also a must.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess demonstrated leadership experience and an aptitude for understanding Standard Operating Procedures. An aptitude for process review, improvement, and documentation as well as advanced problem solving and communication skills are preferred. A highly attentive and proactive team player with proactive customer services abilities is also preferred.

Experience with coffee, specialty food, natural and organic, wine or tea is strongly preferred.