Sales Manager

We're hiring: Sales Manager Food Ingredients | B2B Sales | Business Development Ready to take ownership of the commercial growth of an innovative food ingredients business? For an international company specialised in functional and nutritional plant-based protein solutions, we are looking for an entrepreneurial Sales Manager to further develop the market across Northern Europe, with a particular focus on Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK and the Nordics. Our client combines the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a specialised organisation with the resources and international capabilities of a larger industrial group. You will have significant autonomy, short decision-making lines and the opportunity to directly impact commercial growth. The company is entering an important phase of international expansion. As Sales Manager, you will play a key role in identifying new opportunities, opening doors with industrial food manufacturers and increasing the adoption of innovative plant-based protein solutions. Your responsibilities Business Development & Sales
- Develop the commercial presence across Northern Europe.
- Identify, qualify and approach high-potential industrial customers, partners and distributors.
- Build and manage a strong commercial pipeline through proactive prospecting.
- Manage the full sales cycle, from initial contact and needs analysis to negotiation and closing.
- Develop long-term relationships with stakeholders across R&D, Procurement and Top Management. Technical & Consultative Sales
- Understand customers' formulations, applications and technical challenges.
- Translate customer needs into relevant commercial opportunities.
- Work closely with technical and application teams on trials, reformulations and product development projects.
- Support the successful commercial launch and adoption of new applications. Market & Partner Development
- Develop and activate the international distribution network.
- Identify and onboard new commercial partners.
- Monitor market trends, customer developments and competitive activity.
- Represent the company at relevant trade fairs, conferences and industry events.
- Share market insights to support commercial and product development. What do you bring?
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in Food Science, Food Technology, Business, Economics or a related field.
- Excellent professional command of Dutch and English; French is a strong asset.
- Proven B2B sales experience within the food ingredients industry, preferably with specialty, functional or technical ingredients.
- A strong track record in Business Development and new customer acquisition.
- Experience selling technical products or solutions through a consultative sales approach.
- Experience managing complex, medium
- to long-term sales cycles.
- Experience working with industrial food manufacturers and multiple stakeholders.
- Experience developing distributors and commercial partners is a strong asset. Who are you?
- Entrepreneurial, autonomous and commercially driven.
- A true hunter, with the persistence to open new markets and build business from the ground up.
- Structured and organised, with the ability to manage complex pipelines and long sales cycles.
- Analytical and pragmatic, with a strong understanding of customer and market needs.
- A strong communicator and negotiator who builds trusted relationships at different organisational levels.
- Hands-on and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership. Why this role? This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a growing international market and contribute directly to the next phase of a company's commercial expansion. You will combine Business Development, technical sales and strategic market development, working closely with customers, distributors and technical experts across Europe. For someone who enjoys building, opening doors and creating commercial opportunities in a developing market, this role offers significant autonomy and impact. Batenborch International is a specialised Executive Search firm focusing on Sales, Marketing, Digital and General Management leadership positions across Europe. We support international groups and fast-growing organisations in attracting high-impact professionals. Looking for your next career opportunity or looking to strengthen your organisation with top commercial talent? Feel free to get in touch. #ExecutiveSearch #SalesManager #FoodIngredients #FoodIndustry #B2BSales #BusinessDevelopment #TechnicalSales #FoodTech #PlantBased #Ingredients #SalesLeadership #CommercialLeadership #Headhunting #Leadership