About Us
We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at heart, we operate at the forefront of consumer trends to provide food & beverage manufacturers with products and ingredients that will delight their consumers. Making a positive impact on people and planet is all part of the delight. With a deep-rooted presence in the countries where our ingredients are grown, we are closer to farmers, enabling better quality, and more reliable, traceable and transparent supply. Supplying products and ingredients at scale is just the start. We add value through our unique, complementary portfolio of natural, delicious and nutritious products. With our fresh thinking, we help our customers unleash the sensory and functional attributes of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices so they can create naturally good food & beverage products that meet consumer expectations. And whoever we’re with, whatever we’re doing, we always make it real.
Product Information
Cocoa
We’re a super specialist in all things cocoa – beans, powders, butters and beyond. In fact, we are the number one
cocoa bean supplier globally with a leading presence in 10 key producing countries across Africa, Asia and South America. In our direct sourcing, our traceability from the farm to the factory allows us to drive sustainable practices across the cocoa supply chain.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Sales Manager to lead and expand our cocoa business in Germany and Austria region.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing strategic relationships with key clients, driving revenue growth, and delivering innovative cocoa solutions tailored to customer needs. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of sales strategies and contribute to the long-term success of the business.
As a part of ofi, you will engage in a role that intersects with sustainability and innovation. Our global footprint means you will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and products. Unlike other companies, we focus on the entire value chain, from sourcing to end-consumer applications. Here, your input will not only influence sales figures but also contribute to a healthier planet by promoting sustainable practices.
Our team consists of chefs and food scientists dedicated to inspiring new concepts, providing a rich environment to foster creativity and collaboration. You will enjoy the autonomy to lead high-impact sales initiatives in a key European market, allowing you to make your mark and drive business growth in a meaningful way. Your contributions will resonate beyond sales, affecting communities and ecosystems globally.
You will report directly to the Sales Director
Sales Strategy and Execution
* Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve revenue and profitability targets in Germany and Austria.
* Monitor competitor activities and market trends to stay ahead and differentiate the company’s offerings.
* Identify and pursue new business opportunities while maintaining and growing relationships with existing clients.
* Drive strategies to capture and expand market share.
* Negotiate and close contracts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer expectations.
* Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to refine sales approaches.
* Collaborate with the Product Line Management (PLM) and marketing teams to align product offerings with market demand.
* Work closely with Technical and Customer Solutions teams to run projects in your markets for future growth of business.
Customer Relationship Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, serving as their primary point of contact.
* Provide exceptional customer service by understanding client needs and delivering tailored cocoa solutions.
* Conduct regular business reviews with clients to assess satisfaction and identify opportunities for growth.
* Act as a trusted advisor, offering insights into cocoa trends, sustainability initiatives, and market developments.
* Actively engage with clients to understand their long-term business goals and challenges, aligning solutions to meet their evolving needs.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
* Lead and mentor junior sales team members, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
* Work closely with supply chain, CSC, and quality teams to ensure timely delivery and product quality.
* Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and conferences to promote the cocoa business.
Reporting and Analysis
* Monitor sales performance metrics and prepare regular reports for senior management.
* Use data-driven insights to identify gaps and opportunities in the market.
* Manage budgets and forecasts for the region, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
Requirements
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Food Science, Economics, or a related field (MBA preferred).
* Proven experience (min 5 – 7 yrs) in B2B sales within cocoa or food ingredients industry.
* Strong understanding of the cocoa value chain, including sourcing, sustainability, and product applications.
* Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills.
* Ability to analyze market data and translate insights into actionable strategies.
* Proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and MS Office Suite.
* Fluent in German and English; additional European languages are a plus.
Key Competencies
* Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
* Adaptability in a fast-paced and dynamic business environment.
* Passion for cocoa industry.
ofi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, nationality, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants are requested to complete all required steps in the application process including providing a resume/CV in order to be considered for open roles.