Sales Manager, Chocolate Specialties (UK & Ireland)

About the role

We are currently hiring for an experienced Sales Manager responsible for growing our Chocolate Specialties sales across the UK and Ireland.  The role will be key in unlocking our Chocolate Specialties and Decorations portfolio to our key customer segments within Global Accounts, Food Manufacturers, Distributors & Artisans as well as Retailers, bringing innovative concepts that fit our customer needs.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Responsibility for growing the Chocolate Specialties portfolio in his/her territory in a profitable manner

• Driving Core Specialties portfolio, working across functions together with sales colleagues from chocolate and the Global Sweet Specialties Division, to generate long-term value for our customers

• Profitably grow with existing customers and to acquire new customers across all market segments, deploying a suitable Route-to- Market (direct or indirect)

• Lead Co-Creation and Inspirations sessions across major segments - Confectionery, Bakery and Ice Cream

• Address day-to-day pricing, fulfillment and other customer issues in close coordination with CSD (Customer Supply Development) Team

• Translate market and customer opportunities into realized solutions creating distinctive value for the customers

• Develop revenue and trade targets at the customer level, explore new business opportunities and work continuously to enhance our share in the market and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction

• Defining Product Baskets for each concept/customer/need

• Lead co-creation and inspirations sessions with key customers liaising with R&D, Marketing and the local Chocolate Academy Chef

• Act as the overall project leader and owner on customer’s request and projects

• Interface between stakeholders (internal and external), especially with Customer R&D, Local/Regional Marketing, Chefs Sales on projects to deliver on customer needs

• Collection and analysis of information and provision of conclusions from sales figures and account information to provide insight into Chocolate Specialties Categories for the assigned Country Cluster

About you

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Business Management, Marketing or related field

• 4+ years of relevant experience in Sales and/or Business Development

• Experience of driving sales in the B2B Food and / or ingredients sector

• Experience of solutions-based selling

• Exemplary Customer focus – Ability to fulfill customer needs and expectations

• Professional and confident with internal and external customers

• Proven track record of delivering results against strategic business goals

• Passionate about success and delivering operational excellence, whilst sharing best practice

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with a true service attitude

• Solid skills in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment, meet deadlines and simultaneously develop, deploy and coordinate multiple projects

• Capable of working independently with minimum supervision

• Experience in working in an international setting

• Fluent in English