Key Account Manager

KAM & Sales Development Manager Functional Ingredients - DACH & BENELUX

An exciting opportunity awaits a commercially minded individual passionate about elevating our client's Functional Ingredients segment within the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) markets.

Location : Home-based in Germany

About Our client is a premier supplier of ingredients encompassing a broad range from bakery ingredients to custom food solutions applicable in various industrial contexts like bakery, dairy, and ice cream sectors.

With a global presence, they cater to artisanal and industrial bakers, global foodservice operators, and food manufacturers across more than 100 countries.

Their commitment to innovation and excellence in product development establishes them as the industry's partner of choice.

In 2021, our client expanded by acquiring a fast-growing company specialising in plant-based, natural, and clean label functional ingredients for the food industry.

This addition has bolstered their portfolio to include vegetable fibers, sugar replacements, plant proteins, natural anti-mold agents, and more.

The acquisition was recognised with an Innovation Award in the plant-based category during the FIE fair.

The Role

This position reports directly to the Sales Director Industry DACH and entails significant collaboration with the technical team of the recently acquired company.

The primary objective is to enhance sales of Functional Ingredients and strategically augment our customer base consistent with defined targets.

Moreover, there will be opportunities to contribute to the broader offering to customers and play a pivotal role in the further integration of the new acquisition into our client's group.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow sales in DACH & BENELUX by increasing sales volumes.
• Identify new opportunities to leverage their innovative technologies and expand existing accounts.
• Serve as a lead ambassador for the integrated company within the rest of the organisation, promoting product capabilities and fostering corporate integration.
• Drive synergies at customer and product levels between the different divisions of our client's company.
• Build a solid sales development pipeline through robust customer relationships and an in-depth understanding of market innovations and customer needs.

Collaborate closely with the Research & Innovation department to meet objectives and provide feedback on unmet customer needs and potential innovation opportunities.

Experience & Skills Required

• Extensive experience in B2B sales, particularly in value-added ingredients.
• Profound knowledge of the food ingredients sector with an emphasis on functional blends, special foods, and plant-based products.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, able to engage effectively across all organisational levels.
• Autonomous working capability with extensive travel requirements within designated geographies and occasional Europe travel.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate technical development projects efficiently.

Language Skills

Fluency in English is necessary; additional language capabilities are beneficial.

Tasks and Activities

• Drive revenue growth by enhancing sales with current clients and generating new leads.
• Manage relationships with distributors, supporting and monitoring their performance.
• Coordinate technical development projects from product approval to commercialisation.
• Organise innovation & training sessions for select clients and distributors.

Offer

• An opportunity for considerable personal and professional growth within a dynamic, motivated team.
• A flat hierarchy enabling a flexible and autonomous work environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technology, R&D facilities, and pilot plants.
• Competitive remuneration package linked to sales results and agreed objectives, including company car, IT equipment, and comprehensive financial benefits.

Career Possibilities

Our client offers extensive opportunities for career progression within an expanding international company.