Technical Sales Support Manager - Spirits

Fermentis; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermentis, a Lesaffre group unit, seeks a Technical Sales Support Manager - Spirits to lead regional technical activities, support sales with expertise in yeast, fermentation and spirits production, and represent the company at industry events. Extensive travel (40%+) across the region is expected.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in spirits production, strong distillation knowledge, and proven ability to train teams and troubleshoot production challenges.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in spirits production (Whisky, Rum, Gin, Vodka, Brandy, or Neutral Spirits).
• Strong distillation knowledge with hands-on spirit production experience preferred.
• Excellent communication to train sales teams and engage customers.
• Ability to troubleshoot, investigate quality issues, and lead pilots.
• Willingness to travel regionally and autonomously manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on yeast, fermentation, and spirits production applications.
• Deliver technical presentations, support pilot trials, and train regional sales teams.
• Represent Fermentis at conferences, trade shows, and forums.
• Build relationships with KOLs and industry bodies within the spirits sector.
• Coordinate technical projects between Fermentis and customers/partners with R&D support.
• Investigate customer complaints and assist with process optimization.
• Disseminate technical resources and best practices to the sales team.

Skills

Technical knowledge

Spirits production

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Leadership

Education

Distilling/spirits certification

Job description

Technical Sales Support Manager - Spirits

• Full-time
• Years of experience: 5 to 10 years
• Activity: Fermented beverages
• Contract type: Permanent Contract

Fermentis, business unit of the Lesaffre group, is a global key player in yeasts and fermentation solutions for the brewing, wine, spirits, coffee and other beverage industries. Fermentis has a well-recognized know how in the fermentation industry allowing the development and production of products adapted for particular applications based on the research of more than 550 RD experts from Lesaffre and other external academics. Its wide variety of products has been specifically created to meet the quality requirements of fermented beverage producers around the world, focusing on the development of aroma and character.

The Lesaffre group, on its own, has its origins in Lille, northern France. For over 170 years, it has been focused on yeast and all the applications it can offer, with currently more than 63 industrial plants and 10000 employees worldwide.

Expected location: India, Japan, Greater China, or Taiwan, etc.

Key Responsibilities are:

• Technical Leadership: Maintain and develop the technical knowledge of regional sales teams through training, presentations, and expert guidance on yeast, fermentation, and spirits production applications.
• Customer Support: Deliver technical presentations, troubleshoot production challenges, support pilot trials, and provide product training to beverage producers.
• Expert Leadership: Represent Fermentis at industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums. Contribute to industry publications and participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Industry Networking: Build and maintain relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), industry associations, and recognized institutions within the spirits sector.
• Project Coordination: Manage technical projects and trials between Fermentis and customers/partners, working closely with R&D and the Fermentis Academy.
• Quality & Troubleshooting: Support investigation of customer complaints and quality issues; assist with process optimization and technical problem-solving.
• Knowledge Management: Maintain and disseminate technical resources, FAQs, and best practices to the sales team.

Essential Requirements:

• 5+ years of professional experience in spirits production (whisky, rum, gin, vodka, brandy, or neutral spirits)
• Strong understanding of distillation processes with hands-on experience in spirits production preferred
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to deliver technical presentations, train sales teams, and engage with customers at all levels
• Problem-solving mindset: Experience in troubleshooting production challenges, supporting quality investigations, and managing pilot trials
• Self-motivated and independent: Comfortable managing projects autonomously and thriving in a travel-intensive role
• Networking capability: Proven ability to build relationships with industry professionals, KOLs, and technical communities
• Based in or willing to relocate to: India (preferred), Japan, Greater China, or Taiwan, with valid working rights

Additional qualifications:

• Formal qualification or certification in distilling/spirits production from a recognized institution
• Hands-on experience with multiple spirit types
• Knowledge of fermentation science and yeast applications in spirits production
• Previous experience in technical support or customer-facing technical role
• Familiarity with spirits industry regulations and quality standards

Travel: This role requires significant regional travel (40%+) across the region. Southeast Asia and South Asia (primary); Greater China, Japan-Korea, and ANZ (support), with occasional international travel to industry events.