South Africa Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager Food Ingredients Distribution

GFIC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 90 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager to drive business growth in South Africa's food ingredients sector. This role combines strategic oversight and hands-on sales management, requiring a passion for food technology and a strong ability to build relationships. You will oversee market performance, develop sales strategies, and ensure operational excellence while working closely with innovative suppliers. Join a forward-thinking team and contribute to exciting projects that shape the future of food technology in the region.

Benefits

Vehicle allowance

Business tools

Regular product training

Application training

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the food industry (production or sales).
• Exceptional communication and analytical skills required.

Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee business operations in South Africa.
• Drive sales growth and build partnerships with food producers.

Skills

Food Technology

Sales Management

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Negotiation Skills

Leadership

Logistics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Food Technology

Master’s Degree in Food Technology

Tools

AS400

Maximo

Warehouse Management Systems

Job description

Country Manager / Technical Sales Manager Food Ingredients South Africa

for a wellknown European Food Ingredients Distributor

• 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 suppliers.

Tasks

We are seeking a candidate for a combined role: 25% as a Country Manager and 75% as a Sales Manager, passionate about food technology and sales.

Your responsibilities include establishing our business in South Africa, overseeing overall market performance, and driving sales growth in the food industry sector.

This involves understanding food technology, sales management, logistics, team leadership across functions (including government relations, partnerships, operations, and local marketing).

As a Country Manager, you will ensure operational excellence, monitor the local market for new opportunities, and build strong 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, analytical skills, highly organized, reliable, and capable of motivating and guiding employees.
• Good negotiation skills, positive attitude.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel.
• Business acumen and skilled computer user.

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, analyze their needs, and create value propositions.
• Advise on ingredient applications and develop tailored recipes where needed.
• Attend customer production trials and conduct small-scale trials in application kitchens.
• Prepare price offers and follow up on projects and payments.
• Align sales strategies with supplier product groups under the supervision of Springboard managers.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements (certification, registration, labeling, import).

Responsibilities as a Country Manager (Director)

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

Additional Information

Work within an international team with lean structures, in close cooperation with market-leading innovative suppliers.

Regular product and application training will be provided.

We offer an attractive compensation package, including salary, vehicle allowance, and business tools.

Key Skills

AS400, Lean Management, Maximo, Warehouse Management and Distribution, Copywriting, Leadership, Supervising, Logistics.