Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions that help create cleaner and safer environments through sustainable innovation. We are looking for an Area Manager to plan, direct, and manage the business development of Processed Foods, Dairy, and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Operations in East Africa. The goal is to maximize sales and profit by supporting and driving the team to deliver on budget turnover and profitability.
Job Summary
The Regional Sector Lead represents the entire range of Food and Beverage (F&B) products and services to assigned customers (except alcoholic beverages) in selected countries. You will be responsible for achieving objectives, KPIs, and targets at assigned key accounts and developing new customers to achieve short- and long-term profitable growth. Working alongside technical teams, marketing, and sector specialists, you will deliver value advantages to customers and win business to grow market share against competition.
Key Responsibilities
Participate in the integrated SBU planning process through development of annual customer plans and forecasts.
Proactively assess, clarify, and validate customer needs on an ongoing basis and provide appropriate product information.
Identify sales opportunities through networking, prospecting, cold calling, and online research to meet sales and profit targets within East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Zambia).
Coordinate company personnel, including support and service, to meet account objectives and targets.
Drive innovations to meet New Product Introduction (NPI) and New Target Win (NTW) targets.
Manage the execution of account contracts and ensure customer compliance with company sales procedures.
Penetrate accounts at all levels and maintain relationships with commercial and non-commercial teams.
Prepare and deliver effective selling presentations and proposals and provide after-sales service.
Manage sales operations and deliver budgets within agreed operational costs and capital expenditures.
Identify market potential for regional and local key accounts.
Managerial Responsibility
Manage Account Managers and Country Managers handling Processed Food, Dairy, and Non-alcoholic Beverages within the assigned territory.
Full managerial responsibility: assigning work, coaching, training, setting goals, performance evaluations, staff development, and people management decisions (recruitment, promotions, terminations).
Requirements and Qualifications
Graduate degree in Chemistry, Food science, or Chemical Engineering.
At least 7 years of progressive experience in Business-to-Business (B2B) selling, preferably in the Chemical Industry.
Significant experience in managing a team.
Strong people management skills and understanding of P&L.
In-depth understanding of the market.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage priorities.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Proven ability to develop and sustain productive customer relationships.
Self-driven with a "can do" attitude and passion for results.
Experience working in production within a brewery or brewing plant is a distinct advantage.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply via the Solenis career portal at https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1207992
