Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager Food Ingredients South Africa

GFIC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager to spearhead their operations in South Africa. This role demands a passion for food technology and sales, focusing on establishing a strong market presence. You will lead a team, develop sales strategies, and cultivate relationships with food producers while ensuring operational excellence. This innovative firm offers an attractive compensation package, including a vehicle allowance and business tools, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in the food ingredients sector.

Benefits

Vehicle Allowance

Business Tools

Attractive Compensation Package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food industry sales or production.
• Strong understanding of food technology and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Establish business operations in South Africa and drive sales growth.
• Build partnerships with food producers and manage logistics.

Skills

Sales Management

Food Technology

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Business Acumen

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology

Master's Degree in Food Technology

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager Food Ingredients South Africa

for a well-known European Food Ingredients Distributor

• Please apply only if you have experience in sales of Food Ingredients Business to Business. You work for a Food Ingredients Distributor or a Food Ingredients Producer.
• South Africa will be the second hub in Africa for our client, after East Africa.
• Must have a Degree in Food Technology.
• You will establish a limited company, with the location in cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.
• We sell value-added Food Ingredients from leading Food Ingredients suppliers.

Tasks

We are looking for a Country Manager (25% of time) / Sales Manager (75% of time) with a passion for food technology and sales.

• You will be responsible for establishing our business in South Africa, overall market performance, and sales growth in the food industry sector.
• This includes understanding food technology, sales management, logistics, and team leadership across functions such as government relations, partnerships, operations, and local marketing.
• As a Country Manager, you will ensure operational excellence, monitor the local market, identify new sales opportunities, and build partnerships with food producers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Food Technology (mandatory)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the food industry (production or sales)
• Ability to solve technological problems and develop food products
• Exceptional communication and analytical skills, highly organized, reliable, and capable of motivating employees
• Good negotiation skills, positive attitude
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Willing to travel
• Business acumen
• Proficient computer skills

Responsibilities as a Technical Sales Manager :

• Analyze market and supplier product ranges to identify new opportunities
• Build strong relationships with food producers
• Develop sales strategies for specific ingredients (business development)
• Visit customers in South Africa, assess their needs, and create value propositions
• Advise on ingredient applications and develop customized recipes when needed
• Participate in production trials at customer sites / conduct small-scale trials in the application kitchen
• Prepare price offers and follow up on projects and payments
• Align sales strategies for supplier product groups under supervision
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements (certification, registration, labeling, import regulations)

Responsibilities as a Country Manager (Director) :

• Maintain good relationships with suppliers
• Oversee business processes within the company (logistics, contracts, administration, warehouse management, internal systems)
• Manage financial aspects (payments, exchange rates, costs)
• Coach and motivate employees
• Generate profit

Working in an international team with lean structures

• Collaborate with market-leading, innovative suppliers with excellent products
• Participate in regular product and application training
• We offer an attractive compensation package including salary, vehicle allowance, and business tools, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

GFIC is a boutique recruitment consultancy based south of Munich, founded by Alfred Geiger in 2006.

GFIC specializes in consulting for FMCG Food Ingredients sectors such as Starch, Glucose, Sweeteners, Flavours, Fruit Preparations, Beverages, Dairy, Nutraceuticals, Pharma, Colours, Cosmetics, Hydrocolloids, and more.

GFIC also provides recruitment services for full-time, interim positions, and advisory board members, including C-Level candidates, globally.