Sales and Category Director - Food Ingredients Distribution

About the role

A partner company is looking for a Sales and Category Director for food ingredients distribution, based in Switzerland. The role leads commercial growth and category development across roughly six European markets in the B2B food ingredients sector, overseeing business development, guiding local teams and aligning regional strategies with global objectives. It is a permanent position with a start date as soon as possible, and the home-office arrangement allows working remotely from Europe.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and oversee country-level and sales team business plans aligned with global commercial targets
• Manage the development of approximately six countries, directly supervising Country Managers and supporting their teams
• Act as the link between headquarters and local teams, translating global priorities into regional and country initiatives
• Contribute to global policies, organizational structures and commercial tools, and monitor the cost structures and operational performance of local offices
• Track sales results and financial KPIs, review performance with Country Managers and implement corrective actions when targets are missed
• Promote collaboration between countries, share best practices and leverage commercial synergies
• Provide selective operational support and build relationships with producers, distributors, Country Managers and headquarters

Required profile

• Degree in Food Technology; an MBA or additional business and economics education is an advantage
• Proven experience in food ingredients distribution, with a focus on the B2B market rather than FMCG
• At least 5 years of leadership experience, including responsibility for a country or a substantial team
• Experience managing or developing multiple markets and leading Country Managers is highly relevant
• Strong understanding of business development planning, sales performance, financial KPIs and operational efficiency
• Excellent English and fluency in at least one other local or European language
• Willingness to travel as required

What we offer

• Permanent employment
• Home-office-based position with the flexibility to work remotely from Europe
• Direct management of Country Managers and influence on regional strategy and performance