Technical Sales Manager

Primary Purpose: 

The position delivers the successful development and management of the Food sales territory in the region of Italy. The successful applicant will provide technical sales support to develop the profitably of the Food business portfolio within an agreed customer territory alongside your Key Account Manager sales colleagues. This role will report to the Technical Sales Manager (EMEA) of the Univar Solutions Food Industry. A deep technical understanding of our functional portfolio is required. Works effectively as part of Food FI as well as multi-disciplinary teams to execute sales & marketing programs. 

Key Deliverables: 

• Deliver on targets set for your existing customer base
• Achieve growth targets for new business into existing accounts
• Drive new development sales of functional products into new and existing customers
• Plan your territory to develop our Food business
• Plan, prepare, execute and follow up on customer opportunities
• Ensure a strong technical grounding in all key products
• Attend supplier training and industry forums as requested
• Keep up to date with technical trends in the markets & product portfolios
• Report all market information where found to correct Foodology by Univar Solutions contacts
• Promote and follow up of all samples in timely manner
• Ensure all admin is completed in a timely manner and activity is logged

The successful candidate will have:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Hands on, collaborative, with strong team ethics and problem-solving attitude
• An active desire to keep an eye on emerging market trends in food and nutrition area
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, with strong planning and organisational skills
• An ability to work independently to tight deadlines; highly proactive and self-motivated
• Strong analytical skills and awareness of the importance of tracking metrics to optimise marketing activity
• Ability to work creatively and autonomously, develop creative strategies and come up with innovative solutions
• Curiosity and passion for food and ingredients distribution is a strong advantage
• Strong creative flair, along with attention to detail and project deliverables.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• A drive for self-improvement
• Ability and willingness to accept evolving responsibilities as the organization and expectations continues to grow

Education/Experience/Training

Required:

• Fluency in Italian
• Fluency in English (proficient as a minimum)
• Appropriate technical qualification – Food Technology degree or equivalent
• Experience in a technical distribution business (preferred)
• Proven track record in sustainable business growth of the top line of the P&L.
• Language: Fluent English and Italian (written and spoken), other languages are beneficial
• Personality: excellent communication and presentation skills and strong drive to succeed
• Previous experience and knowledge of the Italian Food industry is essential
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements
• Can work alone or as part of a team
• Excellent communicator
• Can-do mentality
• Service Minded
• Presentation & influencing skills
• Ability to participate in and facilitate meetings