Sales Manager; m​/v​/x

Our client is an innovative international food ingredients company specialised in functional and nutritional plant-based protein solutions for food manufacturers. With a strong focus on innovation, functionality, nutrition and sustainability, the company supports food producers in developing solutions that respond to evolving consumer and industry needs. The company operates across key application areas including plant-based dairy & desserts, savoury products and nutrition.

Its solutions combine nutritional value with functional properties that help food manufacturers address formulation challenges such as texture, stability, emulsification and water or oil binding. The organisation is currently in an important phase of international growth and market expansion. Through a consultative and application-driven approach, it works closely with customers and technical partners throughout product development and formulation projects. To support this growth, the company is looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially driven Sales Manager who will take ownership of the Northern European market, develop new business and increase the adoption of its innovative protein solutions.

The company combines the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialised organisation with the resources and international capabilities of a larger industrial group, offering short decision-making lines, significant responsibility and close collaboration between commercial and technical teams.

As a Sales Manager, you will be responsible for the further commercial development of an innovative food ingredients company across Northern Europe, with a focus on Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Nordics. You will combine a strong Business Development mindset with the ability to build sustainable customer relationships. Your role will include identifying new industrial customers, partners and distributors and managing the commercial process from initial contact through technical evaluation, negotiation and closing.

As projects typically involve sales cycles of 12 to 18 months, persistence, structured follow-up and a consultative approach are essential. You will work closely with R&D, Procurement, Top Management and technical experts to understand customer challenges and translate these into relevant commercial opportunities. With considerable autonomy and ownership of your market, you will act as an ambassador for the company and contribute directly to its international growth.

• Further develop the company’s commercial presence across Northern Europe, with a focus on Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the Nordics.
• Identify, qualify and prioritise high-potential industrial customers, partners and distributors.
• Develop a multichannel prospecting strategy and build a sustainable commercial pipeline.
• Manage the complete sales cycle, from prospecting and needs analysis through product evaluation, negotiation and closing.
• Build long-term relationships with decision-makers and influencers across R&D, Procurement and Top Management.
• Understand customers’ formulations, applications and technical challenges and translate these into commercial opportunities.
• Work closely with technical and application teams on customer trials, reformulations, product development and launches.
• Develop and activate the distribution network, including identifying and onboarding new partners.
• Increase adoption and commercial volumes within existing and new applications.
• Represent the company at relevant trade fairs, conferences and industry events.
• Collaborate with Marketing on initiatives supporting the company’s positioning and commercial development.
• Monitor market trends, customer developments and competitive activity…