Sales and Category Director Food Ingredients Distribution

Jobgether; Switzerland; Remote; CHF 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

International scope

Leadership role

Permanent position

Start ASAP

Job summary

Jobgether is partnering with a client seeking a Sales and Category Director in Switzerland for a remote, Europe-wide leadership role in the B2B food ingredients distribution sector. You will guide regional strategies, lead Country Managers, and align with global objectives while fostering cross-country collaboration and operational efficiency.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, hands-on support when needed, and travel across Europe to support market activities; English fluency and

Qualifications

• Education: degree in Food Technology; MBA or economics education is a strong advantage.
• Experience: in food ingredients distribution with B2B market focus.
• Leadership: 5+ years leading country teams or multi-market setups.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial growth and category development across approximately six European markets.
• Oversee country-level business plans and sales team performance; align with global targets.
• Translate global priorities into regional and country initiatives; drive efficiency and growth.
• Collaborate with producers, distributors, and headquarters to optimize sales operations and policies.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-country mgmt

English fluency

Strategic thinking

Food ingredients

Education

Degree in Food Technology

MBA or economics education

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sales and Category Director Food Ingredients Distribution based in Switzerland.

Lead commercial growth and category development across multiple European markets in the B2B food ingredients distribution sector. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee business development across approximately six countries, guiding local teams and aligning regional strategies with global objectives. You will work closely with Country Managers, headquarters, and commercial partners to strengthen performance, improve operational efficiency, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. Your expertise in food technology and ingredients distribution will help shape market strategies, optimize sales operations, and build stronger relationships with producers and distributors. Combining strategic leadership with selective involvement in day-to-day operations, you will foster collaboration, share best practices, and maximize synergies across markets. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an international, commercially driven environment while working remotely from Europe.

Accountabilities:

• Regional Business Development: Develop and oversee country-level and sales team business plans that align with global commercial targets and growth strategies.
• Leadership Across Multiple Markets: Manage the overall development of approximately six countries, directly supervising Country Managers and supporting their teams in achieving business objectives.
• Strategic Alignment: Act as the link between headquarters and local teams, translating global priorities into actionable regional and country-level initiatives.
• Commercial Strategy and Execution: Contribute to the development of global policies, organizational structures, and commercial tools, ensuring their effective implementation across local markets.
• Operational Efficiency: Monitor the cost structures, resource capacity, and operational performance of local offices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Sales and Financial Performance: Track sales results and financial KPIs, review performance with Country Managers, and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented when targets are not met.
• Best-Practice Sharing: Encourage collaboration between countries, facilitate the exchange of successful practices, and identify opportunities to leverage shared resources and commercial synergies.
• Hands-On Support: Provide selective operational support when required, balancing strategic responsibilities with the practical needs of local teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build effective working relationships with food ingredient producers, distributors, Country Managers, and headquarters to support regional growth.

Requirements:

• Education: A degree in Food Technology is essential. An MBA or additional business and economics education is a strong advantage.
• Industry Experience: Proven experience in food ingredients distribution, with a clear understanding of the B2B food ingredients market rather than the FMCG sector.
• Relevant Commercial Background: Experience working for a food ingredients distributor while managing country teams and/or principals, or for a producer overseeing food ingredients distributors.
• Leadership Experience: At least 5 years of leadership experience, including responsibility for a country or a substantial team.
• Multi-Country Management: Experience managing or developing multiple markets, leading Country Managers, or coordinating commercial teams across different countries is highly relevant.
• Commercial and Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of business development planning, sales performance, financial KPIs, operational efficiency, and corrective action management.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect global business objectives with local market realities, prioritize initiatives, and identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement.
• Communication Skills: Excellent English proficiency and fluency in at least one additional local or European language.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong team leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with a supportive approach to developing people and encouraging cooperation.
• Personal Attributes: Proactive, analytical, communicative, and passionate about food and food ingredients.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel as required to support country teams and regional business activities.
• Application Language: Applications must be submitted in English through the application link provided in the original advertisement.

Benefits:

• Remote Work: Home-office-based position, with the flexibility to work remotely from Europe.
• International Scope: Responsibility for commercial development across approximately six European countries.
• Leadership Opportunity: Directly manage Country Managers and influence regional strategy, performance, and operational development.
• Strategic Impact: Contribute to global business planning, commercial policies, and the growth of a B2B food ingredients distribution business.
• Cross-Market Collaboration: Work with international teams and help develop best practices and synergies across countries.
• Employment Type: Permanent employment.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.