Technical Sales Manager

Justus People; Amsterdam; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Justus People is seeking a Technical Sales Manager Europe to drive growth across Europe in food ingredients and plant-based proteins. You will build relationships with key accounts, translate protein functionality into business opportunities, and collaborate with R&D to support customer trials.

The role is hybrid in the Amsterdam area with about 20% travel. Requirements include 5+ years in food ingredients sales, a Bachelor’s or Master’s in a relevant field, fluent English, and a strong

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven sales/technical sales experience in food ingredients, proteins or nutrition.
• Solid technical understanding of plant-based proteins, functionality, materials and applications in food.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Technology, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry or closely related field.
• Fluent in English; Dutch or another European language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain long-term relationships with key European accounts as primary commercial and technical contact.
• Provide guidance on protein functionality, formulation, and application, coordinating with R&D on trials and troubleshooting.
• Prepare and execute annual sales plans to meet volume and margin objectives.
• Stay updated on industry trends and feed market intelligence to product teams.
• Collaborate with international offices, R&D and product managers to uncover new applications and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Technical sales

Food ingredients industry

Plant-based proteins

English fluent

Communication skills

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Food Technology / Food Science / Nutrition / Chemistry

Job description

Technical Sales Manager – Food & Plant-Based Proteins (Europe)

Are you an ambitious sales professional with hands‑on experience in the food ingredient industry? Do you have a strong background in (plant‑based) proteins, food technology, or nutrition? We are looking for an entrepreneurial Technical Sales Manager Europe to join a leading global supplier of plant‑based food ingredients.

About the Role

As Technical Sales Manager, you will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding customer relationships across Europe. Combining commercial drive with technical credibility, you will act as a trusted advisor to clients—translating protein functionality, application know‑how, and market trends into tangible business opportunities.

You will work closely with domestic and international Product Managers and R&D to seize market opportunities and ensure customer expectations are fully met. This role offers the chance to grow your career at the forefront of the global protein transition.

• Location: Amsterdam area (Hybrid / Field-based)
• Travel: Approximately 20% overnight travel across Europe

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Account Management: Build and maintain long‑term relationships with key accounts across Europe, serving as their primary commercial and technical contact.
• Technical Advisory: Provide guidance on protein functionality, formulation, and application, collaborating with internal R&D on customer trials and troubleshooting.
• Commercial Strategy: Prepare and execute annual sales plans to consistently meet volume and margin objectives.
• Market Insights: Stay updated on industry trends—from raw materials and processing technologies to application developments—and feed market intelligence back to product teams.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with international offices, R&D, and product managers to uncover new applications and optimize contract negotiations.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Industry Background: Minimum of 5 years of proven Sales / Technical Sales experience within the food ingredients, food proteins, or nutrition industry.
• Technical Expertise: Solid technical understanding of (plant‑based) proteins, including functionality, raw materials, processing, and application in food, pet food, or aquafeed.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a closely related technical field.
• Languages: Fluent in English (written and spoken). Dutch or a third European language is a distinct advantage.
• Skills: Strong entrepreneurial spirit, excelente communication skills, self‑motivated, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.

What We Offer

• A key role within a purpose‑driven, global supplier committed to sustainability and innovation.
• An entrepreneurial and collaborative company culture with ample room for personal and professional growth.
• Competitive compensation package and pension scheme.
• Modern workplace in a prime location in the Amsterdam region with daily provided healthy lunches.