Sales Manager Cocoa - Italy
Milano, IT
ofi is a global leader at the forefront of food & beverage consumer trends. Through its complementary portfolio of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts and spices ofi delivers sustainable, natural, and plant-based ingredients & solutions to its global and diversified customer base. ofi has 20,000+ employees, is in 51 countries and supplies food and raw materials to over 8,000 customers.
One in five chocolate bars produced anywhere in the world use our cocoa beans and products. We supply enough coffee beans to brew over 90 billion cups of coffee and our nuts, spices and dairy products are used in millions of products around the world. But we don’t just source or grow the raw materials for these products: our team of chefs and food scientists are working closely with our customers, sharing our fresh ideas to inspire new concepts. Making it real at every step, from plant to palate.
We’re also driven by our Purpose – ‘Be the change for good food and a healthy future’. By working with ofi, you’ll be helping to create real impact on the ground. Sustainability is built into our business model - from our offices to our farming operations and supply chains, we’re acting across issues as diverse as farmer poverty, deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Sales Manager to lead and expand our cocoa business in Italy.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing strategic relationships with key clients (industrial chocolate, confectionery, bakery, etc.), 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 of leading high-impact sales initiatives 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 Sales Director - Cocoa EMENA
Sales Strategy & Execution
- Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy to achieve revenue and profitability targets in Italy.
- 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.
Custom 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.
- Work closely with supply chain, innovation, 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.
Report and Analysis
Report 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.
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