Technical Sales Manager-Food & Beverage Ingredients

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Technical Sales Manager to join our team in the Food & Beverage Ingredients division. This role focuses on driving business development and maintaining relationships within the bakery, dairy, and beverage sectors. The successful candidate will handle a range of food ingredients including frozen fruits and vegetables, purees & concentrates, NFCs, compounds, fruit and vegetable powders, spray-dried and freeze-dried products, as well as dehydrated vegetables and herbs.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organization while developing and nurturing relationships with key customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Development & Sales:
  
• Identify and prospect for potential new clients within the food & beverage industry (focus on bakery, dairy, and beverages).
• Cold calling, networking, and other methods to generate interest and build a pipeline of opportunities.
• Develop persuasive sales approaches to win business and increase client base.
• Develop and present tailored solutions to meet the client’s needs and close business deals.
• Manage and grow existing accounts by offering new products and services and maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Meet and exceed sales targets and financial goals, ensuring consistent sales growth.
• Represent the company at trade shows and food exhibitions, building the brand and enhancing business opportunities.
• Customer Relationship Management:
  
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with clients through regular communication, meetings, and follow-ups.
• Offer exceptional customer service, addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with internal teams (technical, marketing, etc.) to ensure client satisfaction and delivery of solutions.
• Provide customer feedback and help with continuous product development and enhancement.
• Strategic Planning & Market Analysis:
  
• Conduct research to understand market trends, customer needs, and competitor strategies.
• Develop and implement business development strategies, identifying new business opportunities, market segments, and growth areas.
• Track performance against sales goals, forecasting and reporting on progress.
• Work with the management team to contribute to the development of business plans, forecasts, and marketing strategies.
• Collaboration & Team Management:
  
• Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, technical, and senior management, to develop effective proposals and solutions.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior business development staff to ensure consistent performance.
• Coordinate efforts to maintain a robust CRM system and track sales activity.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education:
  
• A degree in Food Technology, MBA, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
• Proven experience in technical sales within the food & beverage industry, especially in bakery, dairy, and beverage sectors.
• Strong knowledge of food ingredients such as frozen fruits, purees, concentrates, powders, and dehydrated products.
• Skills:
  
• Strong networking, prospecting, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent negotiation, persuasion, and closing skills.
• High level of professionalism and customer-focused mindset.
• Experience with CRM tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presenting.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Additional Competencies:

• Sales Planning & Strategy: Ability to forecast sales targets, manage customer expectations, and drive strategic initiatives for growth.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify client needs, resolve issues, and offer appropriate solutions.
• Client Retention: Expertise in managing long-term customer relationships and ensuring repeat business.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of market trends, food industry dynamics, and competitor landscape.