Our client is a market leader in FMCG food that achieves a turnover of more than 3 billion euros and consists of more than 9,500 employees across 34 production sites in six countries. With this, our partner is a prominent player in the European food market. The company focuses on the top segment of the food industry, with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium as its main markets. It is also know to be one of Belgium's largest food company, specifically focusing on the Belgian and French markets. The company remains current and prepared for future concepts by continuously investing. Their market position has significantly grown in recent years. So, we are on the lookout for a Sales Manager Trading & Industry.
The Sales Manager is responsible for the sale of by-products to the international trading and industrial markets. The role focuses on achieving revenue and profitability targets by developing and implementing effective sales strategies, managing customer relationships, and identifying market trends.
The Sales Manager is part of the sales team and works closely with internal departments (including marketing, supply chain, and production) as well as external customers. The role requires a strong commercial drive, analytical skills, and excellent negotiation abilities. The position operates within a dynamic international market context, involving frequent customer visits and participation in trade fairs.
Key Result Area 1: Implementation of Sales Policy
= Ensure the correct implementation and follow-up of the sales policy in order to achieve commercial objectives and maintain market position. The Sales Manager ensures the effective execution of the sales policy and achievement of commercial objectives by capitalizing on market opportunities, making adjustments where necessary, and reporting transparently.
• Monitor market developments and competitor activities
• Translate the sales plan into target-oriented budgets, forecasts, and cost estimates
• Analyze sales figures and monitor turnover and margin
• Adjust plans and provide guidance to achieve commercial objectives
• Prepare and discuss periodic reports on results, market developments, and category performance
Key Result Area 2: Achievement of Sales Plans
= Manage turnover and profitability targets through effective sales activities with existing and new customers. The Sales Manager achieves sales plans by realizing turnover, profitability, and market share targets, and ensures the accurate completion of all sales processes.
• Sell products to customers within assigned market segments
• Visit and maintain relationships with existing customers and acquire new ones
• Provide advice on pricing, promotions, and order levels
• Negotiate prices and terms within established margins
• Complete transactions accurately and on time from an administrative perspective.
Key Result Area 3: Customer Advisory and Relationship Management
= Provide appropriate advice and support to customers in order to build long-term, profitable relationships. The Sales Manager ensures business continuity and revenue growth by developing long-term, trust-based relationships and delivering added value to customers.
• Advise customers on product applications and promotions
• Provide product information and support commercial activities
• Build sustainable customer relationships and enhance customer satisfaction.
Key Result Area 4: Market and Competitor Analysis
= Identify and report relevant market developments to enable timely adjustments to the commercial strategy. The Sales Manager provides timely and relevant market insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activities
• Report findings and discuss potential actions with the line manager.
Key Result Area 5: Complaint Handling
= Handle customer complaints effectively and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction. The Sales Manager ensures effective and customer-focused complaint handling in accordance with organizational standards.
• Investigate and resolve complaints in line with company procedures
• Consult with the line manager on complex complaints and execute agreed actions
• Record complaints and resolutions in the complaints register.
Key Result Area 6: Additional Contributions
= Support commercial activities and internal collaboration to ensure optimal departmental performance. The Sales Manager actively contributes to the commercial representation of the company and supports internal collaboration and efficiency.
• Participate in trade fairs and sales meetings
• Carry out administrative tasks related to the role.
Your profile
• Academic Background: You have a Master's degree or you bring a comparable level of academic thinking and working.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of sales processes and market developments, Experience in developing and implementing sales plans, including budgeting, skilled in price negotiations and contract agreements.
• Competencies: Strongly results-oriented with a strong commercial drive, Excellent relationship builder and networker with an international mindset, Analytical and strategic insight to translate market trends into concrete actions, Integrity and reliability in commitments with customers and internal partners.
• Languages: Dutch, French & English on a high professional level. You will work in an international context, so these languages are very important.