Industry: Manufacturing

Report to: Managing Director

Location: Hybrid for now

Our client a leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is seeking to recruit a Business Development Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end commercialization of FM and Gourmet business in the assigned country/ geography. This includes devising and executing the sales strategy for each of the business areas, in alignment with regional/ global strategy and priorities, as well as delivering the sales volume and financial business objectives. A strong focus on go-to-market strategy optimization and execution, including developing distributor networks, strategic partnerships and key account management is expected from this role. The role is expected to operate with high independence in assigned country in order to establish and grow the business.

1. Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, negotiate and manage business opportunities in the country, for example sales, projects, and     partnerships that will contribute to the organization’s short and medium-term business goals in line with sales strategy.


• Develop the medium term sales strategy on a country-level for achieving the business targets for the FM and Gourmet business including maximizing volumes, margins and profitability; advice on policies related to pricing, product mix and brand portfolio, distribution and customer service.


• Establish long-term professional relationships with potential clients, customers, and partners (for      example in government of industry associations) to promote the organization’s product and services.


• Hunt and drive business with potential customers and manage arising business opportunities.


• Lead meetings and negotiations with potential clients and business partners to pursue business opportunities and project the organization’s business interests.


• Together with market leadership team, map and prioritize potential customers for outsourcing deals in the region, participate in outsourcing discussions, build business case to get internal approval


• Collect, analyse and assess market intelligence to devise relevant strategic and operational plans and maximize business opportunities; ; ensure relevant trends and information is communicated to appropriate functions/ internal stakeholders


• Provide ongoing analysis of sales performance metrics against budgeted objectives such as market share, margin, revenue growth, profitability; measure and assess effectiveness of overall commercial activities and update business plans accordingly


• Develop and participate in the maintenance of relationships with strategic customers; Direct and actively support the implementation of customer relationship management for new customers in the relevant segments and networks.


• Build and develop strong relationships with global/regional/local internal stakeholders to have a clear understanding of critical priorities and objectives and establish action plans that translate into business opportunities

2. Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Commercial subject or Food technologist or equivalent (Master degree preferred)


• 10+ years of relevant experience in a commercial B2B environment within food ingredients industry; experience in chocolate/compound industry is a plus


• Demonstrated track record in strategically developing new customers, new products and new market segments


• Fluent in Business English and native language requirements


• IT Skills in the MS Office and Google suite

3. Experience & knowledge / Technical or functional competencies

• Strong business acumen with solid commercial experience and credentials in the relevant country


• Competence in developing new markets / new business


• In-depth knowledge of the industry landscape in the country, in terms of capabilities, products, innovation, as well as understanding the key players, customers and competitors


• Strong negotiation and communication skills, engaging a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders across organizational boundaries


• Analytical skills relevant for a sales and business development environment

4. Leadership competencies & personal style

• Proactive and entrepreneurial mindset; self-starter who takes ownership and accountability


• Agile, flexible and comfortable with ambiguity; Ability to thrive under pressure and ability to adapt to market needs and changes


• Decisive: assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.


• Hands-on style; willing to roll up sleeves


• Strong ethics: understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behavior and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.


• Strong interpersonal skills, influencing skills in order to work cooperatively and collaboratively across the organization.