Business Development Manager - Ingredients

Food People; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Business Development Manager for sweeteners to drive growth in the GCC and international markets. This pivotal role involves identifying new business opportunities, developing tailored ingredient solutions, and managing strategic accounts. With a strong background in food ingredients sales, the ideal candidate will leverage their technical expertise and excellent interpersonal skills to foster long-term partnerships with food and beverage manufacturers. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to expanding market presence and delivering exceptional customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in food ingredients sales, focusing on sweeteners.
• Strong technical knowledge of sweeteners and their applications.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities in sweeteners.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients.
• Conduct market analysis to capitalize on new opportunities.

Skills

Sales in Food Ingredients

Technical Understanding of Sweeteners

B2B Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Market Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science

MBA

Job description

Food People have partnered with a leading ingredients supplier to hire a Business Development Manager Ingredients (Sweeteners) to join their team in Dubai, UAE.

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for identifying and developing growth opportunities in the sweeteners segment across the GCC and wider international markets. The ideal candidate has a solid background in food ingredients sales, strong technical understanding of sweeteners and their applications, and the ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships with food and beverage manufacturers. This role is key to driving commercial success and managing strategic accounts, with a focus on business expansion and risk control.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, target, and develop new business opportunities for sweeteners across key geographies, with a focus on the GCC market.
• Develop and execute a structured sales plan to expand the customer base and increase market share in the sweeteners category.
• Maintain and grow relationships with existing clients by providing tailored ingredient solutions and technical support in collaboration with the applications team.
• Collaborate with internal teams (technical, marketing, logistics, regulatory) to ensure seamless project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Conduct regular market analysis, monitor competitor activity, and identify emerging trends to capitalize on new opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate commercial risks, ensuring proper contract terms, pricing structures, and credit management are in place.
• Deliver accurate sales forecasting and reporting to senior management, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Represent the company at industry events, exhibitions, and customer meetings to enhance brand visibility and strengthen market presence.

KEY INGREDIENTS

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in sales or business development in the food ingredients industry, with a focus on sweeteners or functional ingredients.
• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, or a related field. A postgraduate degree (e.g., MBA) is an added advantage.
• Strong technical understanding of sweeteners and their applications across food and beverage categories.
• Proven track record in managing B2B relationships, especially with food and beverage manufacturers in the GCC.
• Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate complex sales cycles.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.

Please note: Only candidates with relevant experience in food ingredients sales, specifically in sweeteners, will be contacted to discuss the position further.