Technical Sales Manager Food Europe

The Technical Sales Manager has an entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine passion for (plant-based) proteins, and is responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding customer relationships across Europe. Combining commercial drive with technical credibility, this role acts as a trusted advisor to customers – translating protein functionality, application know-how, and market trends into real business opportunities. You will work closely with domestic and international Product Managers to seize market opportunities and lead internal support functions to ensure that customers’ technical and commercial needs and expectations are fully met.

About the role

Meelunie is seeking a highly energetic and capable sales professional with a technical affinity for proteins. In addition to a proven record of sales success, the ideal candidate will bring hands-on technical knowledge of (plant-based) proteins – their functionality, applications, and processing – or a strong drive to build this expertise quickly. This is a role where commercial flair and technical curiosity go hand in hand, giving you the chance to grow your career at the forefront of the protein transition.

The Technical Sales Manager will spend a significant part of their time in the field, visiting customers, technical centers, and trade events across Europe to develop and manage assigned accounts. The position requires at least 20% overnight travel.

Specific Responsibilities:

Develop new customers and maintain relations with existing ones, acting as their go-to technical and commercial contact.
Meet and exceed defined sales volume and profit objectives.
Develop and execute both long-term and near-term strategies.
Active credit management of your customer portfolio.
Work closely with Product Managers and R&D to uncover opportunities based on market dynamics and new protein applications.
Develop strong relations with our overseas offices.
Stay well informed about developments in the (plant-based) protein industry – from raw materials and processing technology to regulation and applications – and be able to converse knowledgeably with customers about these trends. Likewise, provide market and technical input to Product Managers.
Provide technical support to customers on protein functionality, formulation, and application, working closely with R&D on trials and troubleshooting.
Attend and participate in sales meetings, technical seminars and trade shows.
Prepare and present annual sales plans (reviewed quarterly).
Coordinate contract negotiations to optimize volume and sales profit.

About you

Minimum of 5 years of proven Sales and/or Technical Sales experience within the food protein ingredients industry.
Technical background in (plant-based) proteins – e.g., through a degree or work experience in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
Solid understanding of the protein industry: raw materials, functionality, processing and application in food, pet food or aquafeed.
Good public speaking skills.

Nice to have as well…

Entrepreneurial spirit. Ability to create something out of nothing.
Excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate at all levels, internally and externally.
Intellectually competitive, with good quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision; self-motivated.
Comfortable making decisions and managing risk.
An energetic, resilient, and committed leader with a positive attitude who has an open and straightforward operating style.
Confident and assertive with a high sense of responsibility, quality, ethics and integrity.
Professional image and business-oriented demeanor.
Mastering the English language is a must; Dutch and a 3rd language is a plus.
A minimum Bachelor’s degree is required; a degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related technical field is a strong plus; a Master’s degree is also a plus.

We offer

Be part of a purpose-driven company with a global impact;
Work in a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability;
Enjoy opportunities for personal and professional growth;
Fair compensation and a pension scheme;
A stylish workplace in a prime location in Amsterdam Zuid;
Free healthy lunch at the office;
A dynamic and friendly work environment!

About us

Meelunie is a global supplier of plant-based ingredients. Our product range spans a diverse array of food and non-food applications, featuring trusted brands such as Windmill Potato Starch, as well as an ever-expanding assortment of organic products.

Meelunie is expanding its portfolio with fava bean proteins produced at our brand-new Danish facility. These highly innovative products are completely neutral in taste and color, making them ideal for a wide range of food applications. This enables us to be a leader in the protein transition to plant-based ingredients. We believe that sustainability adds value throughout our global processes by creating a positive impact within our industry, supply chains, and the communities we serve.

Meelunie, a 159-year-old Dutch organization headquartered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is a privately held company and part of the Hoogwegt Group from Arnhem. We are also present in the USA, Mexico, Brazil, China, Singapore, and Australia.

Please share your CV and explain why you would like to join us!

Acquisition in respect of this vacancy is not wanted and will not be appreciated.

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