1. Purpose of the RoleOur client is an ambitious, fast-growing global leader in value-added food ingredients, supplying multinational customers with tailor-made, high-impact solutions that delight consumers while advancing sustainability goals.
With a strong presence in Italy – one of Europe's most dynamic food innovation regions – the company combines the agility of an entrepreneurial scale-up with the resources of a major international organisation.
As Sales Manager Italy, you will take ownership of the commercial agenda for the Italian market, managing the most strategically important key accounts in industrial segments.
Your mission is to generate incremental growth by translating complex market trends into targeted, value-adding ingredient concepts that maximise customer ROI and strengthen long-term partnerships.
You will be empowered to shape the go-to-market strategy, lead multidisciplinary bid teams, and act as the entrepreneurial "voice of the customer" within the organisation.
Backed by cutting-edge R&D; and a robust, transparent supply chain, you will develop solutions that enable clients to launch breakthrough products faster, more responsibly, and at scale.
Success in this role means delivering strategic revenue growth, reinforcing the company's position as the partner of choice for sustainable ingredient innovation, and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture that values ownership, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
2. Key Results
Revenue & Margin Growth: Achieve and exceed annual targets across the Italian Key Account portfolio, delivering measurable ROI.
Strategic Account Development: Deepen wallet share through data-driven cross-sell and upsell initiatives in value-added ingredients.
Market Expansion: Identify white-space opportunities, convert prospects into multi-year contracts, and grow market share within Italy.
Project Leadership: Orchestrate cross-functional teams to win and flawlessly execute high-value projects.
Brand Advocacy: Represent the company at international trade fairs and industry conferences.
3. Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Economics, or a related field.
3+ years of proven B2B sales success in the food ingredients sector.
In-depth understanding of end-to-end value chains and sustainability programmes in food manufacturing.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex contracts and build strong relationships with C-suite stakeholders.
Proficiency with CRM platforms.
Native Italian and fluent English.
Based in or near Milan; full remote working is not possible.
4. Selection Procedure
CV screening by AFF Recruitment & Executive Search.
Introductory interview with an AFF consultant.
3 client interviews.
Reference check.
Offer negotiation.
Interested?
Apply directly via our website or contact Timo de Smet at ***************** or ****** for more information.
Only candidates who meet the criteria will be contacted.
All applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.