Sales and Category Director Food Ingredients Distribution

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Sales and Category Director Food Ingredients Distribution based in Netherlands. Lead commercial growth and category development across multiple European markets in the B2B food ingredients distribution sector. In this senior leadership role, you will oversee business development across approximately six countries, guiding local teams and aligning regional strategies with global objectives. You will work closely with Country Managers, headquarters, and commercial partners to strengthen performance, improve operational efficiency, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth. Your expertise in food technology and ingredients distribution will help shape market strategies, optimize sales operations, and build stronger relationships with producers and distributors. Combining strategic leadership with selective involvement in day-to-day operations, you will foster collaboration, share best practices, and maximize synergies across markets. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an international, commercially driven environment while working remotely from Europe.

As Sales and Category Director, you will be responsible for the overall commercial development and performance of your assigned European markets. You will lead Country Managers, coordinate regional execution, and ensure that local operations contribute effectively to broader business objectives. Your key responsibilities will include: Regional Business Development: Develop and oversee country-level and sales team business plans that align with global commercial targets and growth strategies. Leadership Across Multiple Markets: Manage the overall development of approximately six countries, directly supervising Country Managers and supporting their teams in achieving business objectives. Strategic Alignment: Act as the link between headquarters and local teams, translating global priorities into actionable regional and country-level initiatives. Commercial Strategy and Execution: Contribute to the development of global policies, organizational structures, and commercial tools, ensuring their effective implementation across local markets. Operational Efficiency: Monitor the cost structures, resource capacity, and operational performance of local offices to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Sales and Financial Performance: Track sales results and financial KPIs, review performance with Country Managers, and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented when targets are not met. Best-Practice Sharing: Encourage collaboration between countries, facilitate the exchange of successful practices, and identify opportunities to leverage shared resources and commercial synergies. Hands-On Support: Provide selective operational support when required, balancing strategic responsibilities with the practical needs of local teams. Stakeholder Collaboration: Build effective working relationships with food ingredient producers, distributors, Country Managers, and headquarters to support regional growth. Requirements: The ideal candidate combines a strong food technology background with commercial expertise and proven leadership experience in food ingredients distribution. You should be comfortable managing multiple markets, supporting local management teams, and translating strategic objectives into measurable business results. The following qualifications are expected: Education: A degree in Food Technology is essential. An MBA or additional business and economics education is a strong advantage. Industry Experience: Proven experience in food ingredients distribution, with a clear understanding of the B2B food ingredients market rather than the FMCG sector. Relevant Commercial Background: Experience working for a food ingredients distributor while managing country teams and/or principals, or for a producer overseeing food ingredients distributors. Leadership Experience: At least 5 years of leadership experience, including responsibility for a country or a substantial team. Multi-Country Management: Experience managing or developing multiple markets, leading Country Managers, or coordinating commercial teams across different countries is highly relevant. Commercial and Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of business development planning, sales performance, financial KPIs, operational efficiency, and corrective action management. Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect global business objectives with local market realities, prioritize initiatives, and identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement. Communication Skills: Excellent English proficiency and fluency in at least one additional local or European language. Leadership and Collaboration: Strong team leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a supportive approach to developing people and encouraging cooperation. Personal Attributes: Proactive, analytical, communicative, and passionate about food and food ingredients. Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel as required to support country teams and regional business activities. Application Language: Applications must be submitted in English through the application link provided in the original advertisement. Benefits: Remote Work: Home-office-based position, with the flexibility to work remotely from Europe. International Scope: Responsibility for commercial development across approximately six European countries. Leadership Opportunity: Directly manage Country Managers and influence regional strategy, performance, and operational development. Strategic Impact: Contribute to global business planning, commercial policies, and the growth of a B2B food ingredients distribution business. Cross-Market Collaboration: Work with international teams and help develop best practices and synergies across countries. Employment Type: Permanent employment. Start Date: As soon as possible.