Technical Sales Manager

Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits is looking for a Technical Sales Manager – South Africa to strengthen customer coverage and drive profitable growth across the African market, supporting producers of distilled spirits, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Combining consultative sales with hands‑on technical support, this role will manage an agreed customer portfolio, develop new business opportunities, and help customers improve fermentation performance through tailored yeast, nutrient, enzyme, and process aid solutions.

Working closely with regional leadership, technical specialists, production and supply teams, and local agents and distribution partners where appropriate, the Technical Sales Manager will coordinate customer trials, deliver practical training, and translate measurable process improvements into long‑term customer value and sustainable commercial growth. Based in South Africa, this role will support key accounts and take ownership of a portfolio of smaller and craft customers, working closely with the current Technical Sales Manager.

The initial focus will be South Africa and neighboring countries, with the scope expanding across Africa as the role develops.

• Develop and execute account and territory plans for an agreed customer portfolio, initially in South Africa and neighbouring countries and expanding across Africa over time, to achieve sales and gross margin targets.
• Build and maintain long-term customer relationships through regular site visits, technical engagement, and responsive follow‑up.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities across distilled spirits, ENA, and RTD applications, including opportunities to expand existing accounts into nutrients, enzymes, and complementary process aids.
• Support direct sales and collaborate with local agents and distribution partners, where appropriate, to extend market coverage and deliver effective customer support.
• Plan and coordinate customer product trials with technical specialists, establishing clear objectives, evaluation criteria, and follow‑up actions to support commercial adoption.
• Analyze fermentation data and quantify improvements in yield, dosage, process consistency, productivity, and cost‑in‑use to support value‑based selling.
• Provide hands‑on troubleshooting, fermentation optimization support, and practical customer training on product selection and application.
• Support the commercial introduction and adoption of new and locally produced fermentation solutions within the assigned territory, in coordination with regional leadership and relevant technical teams.
• Collaborate with production, quality, supply chain, and distribution teams to communicate customer requirements, forecast demand, and support reliable product availability.
• Deliver technical presentations and customer workshops, and represent LBDS at relevant industry events.
• Monitor customer needs, market developments, and competitor activity to inform territory priorities and portfolio opportunities.
• Maintain accurate sales forecasts and provide regular updates on customer opportunities, trial progress, commercial conversions, sales, and gross margins.
• Follow applicable product quality requirements, safety standards, and customer site procedures.
• Perform other duties as required.