Sales Manager Middle East (Flavors)
Region: Middle East
Clients: B2B Food & Beverage manufacturers (dairy, bakery, confectionery, etc.)
Mission of the Role
Drive flavor sales across the Middle East region by growing revenue, developing key accounts, and expanding the customer base, fully aligned with the company's commercial strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development
- Execute the commercial strategy across the Middle East region.
- Identify, approach, and win new customersincluding manufacturers and local agentsdepending on market entry plans.
- Grow and protect the existing client portfolio and negotiate pricing, volumes and commercial terms.
- Manage tenders, briefs, and customer development projects endtoend.
Customer Management
- Serve as the main point of contact for customers in the region.
- Understand both technical and marketing needs to provide relevant solutions.
- Coordinate closely with internal teams (R&D, Quality, Supply Chain) to support customer projects.
- Monitor customer results, performance, and project progress regularly.
Market & Strategy
- Track local market trends, regulations, competitor activity, and category insights.
- Maintain continuous competitive intelligence and propose marketspecific action plans.
- Adapt commercial approaches to the cultural and economic context of each country.
Reporting & Forecasting
- Meet commercial KPIs (sales, margins, forecast accuracy).
- Prepare sales budgets and forecasts and update the Sales Management team regularly.
- Ensure reliable reporting on activities, pipeline, and performance.
Company Representation
- Represent the company at regional trade shows, client meetings, and industry events.
- Build visibility for the brand and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Education
- Degree in international trade, marketing, food science, or similar.
- Or technical background with strong commercial aptitude.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years in international B2B sales.
- Mandatory experience in flavors, food ingredients, or broader food industry sectors.
- Solid understanding of Middle Eastern markets and business culture.
Skills
- Strong negotiator with proven business development skills.
- Good technical understanding of flavors and food applications.
- Able to manage long sales cycles and complex development projects.
- Proficient in CRM and sales reporting tools.
Languages
- Fluent English and/or French required.
- Arabic highly valued (sometimes essential depending on market).
Personal Attributes
- Autonomous, reliable, and highly organised.
- Resultsdriven with a competitive and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Excellent communication skills and cultural adaptability.
- Comfortable with travel across the region.
