Sales Manager, Specialty Food Ingredients

Position Overview:

We are seeking a driven, proactive Key Account Manager to join our team in the specialty food ingredients sector. This role is pivotal in driving aggressive business growth by hunting for new business opportunities and building a solid pipeline of prospective clients, alongside strengthening relationships with our key accounts.

We’re looking for someone with a strong commercial mentality who thrives in a dynamic environment and has the technical expertise and insights to act as a trusted advisor to our customers.

As a Key Account Manager, your focus will be on expanding our market share by identifying new customers, actively pursuing leads, and converting them into long-term partnerships. In addition to growing new accounts, you will also provide valuable technical guidance to existing customers ensuring our suppliers products are effectively positioned in the market.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual who is passionate about generating new business, creating innovative solutions and maximizing our customers’ success.

Key Responsibilities:

New Business Development:

• Strategically prospect and identify potential new business opportunities within the sector, expanding our customer base and achieving ambitious growth targets.
• Develop and implement tactical plans to exceed sales quotas by relentlessly pursuing potential clients across assigned territories and verticals.
• Implement focused initiatives to capture new market share, moving quickly on leads and converting them into loyal customers.

Account Management & Relationship Building:

• Cultivate strong relationships with existing key accounts, ensuring their ongoing satisfaction and identifying additional growth opportunities.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer needs and demonstrate how our portfolio can support and enhance their business objectives.

Segment Management & Growth:

• Manage a diverse customer in specialty food ingredients, with a dedicated focus on increasing market share, cross-selling and upselling within the segment.
• Create, monitor, and refine a pipeline of new customers while strategically managing existing accounts to maximize value and profitability.

Technical Promotion & Support:

• Champion our Principals' and Suppliers portfolio through technical promotion, delivering product insights and training to customers.
• Provide hands-on technical support and guidance, positioning yourself as an industry expert and trusted advisor.

Market Representation & Networking:

• Actively represent us at industry events, networking opportunities, and trade shows to strengthen our brand presence.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitor activities, leveraging this knowledge to refine our approach and maintain a competitive edge.

Performance Analysis & Reporting:

• Prepare and present regular reports on account performance, new business wins, and market trends.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment on customer satisfaction and seamless project delivery.

Role Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in science or related qualifications in Food Technology/ Food Science or Food related qualifications.
• Experience: Proven experience in the specialty food ingredients with a technical background and a minimum of 6-10 years in Sales or Business Development.
• Sales Drive: Strong commercial acumen with a track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets in a “hunter” sales role.
• Relationship Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish trust and rapport with customers.
• Technical Knowledge: Ability to effectively support product promotion, technical inquiries, and customer training.
• Analytical Ability: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze market and customer data to inform strategy.