Technical Sales Manager Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Job Title: Technical Sales Manager, Kenya 
Business Unit: Kenya
Primary Function: The main purpose of the role is to identify and aggressively develop market opportunities for the organization range of specialty and core products in Kenya and across emerging markets in East Africa, with a particular emphasis on Food Ingredients. The role requires extensive analysis and assessments of markets in the Region, recommendations for business development and the articulation of strategies to exploit the unique range of products available in the network.

Play key role in steering and developing the Sales and Supply chain teams to meet aggressive business goals. In addition, act as the principal assistant to the Country Commercial Manager in the day to day running of the regional operation.

Reports To: Country Commercial Manager
Supervision: Technical Service Representative
Key Deliverables
Business leadership – As principal assistant to the Commercial Manager, the Technical Sales Manager will provide overall direction and coordination to the sales and supply chain functions with regards to the sales and supply chain processes specifically:Steering the team to achieve the set volumes target Sales forecasting processCredit management- lead monthly credit meetingsPricing management in line with margin targetsMarket Development – market analysis of East  Africa with focus  on business development and execution of business strategies of specialty and core food starches in the territory comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, Ethiopia and Sudan. Market Intelligence – Develop new markets and applications where specialty starches and other ingredients can be used, scan the market to establish what the competition is offering in terms of ingredients and suggest which products can be developed or can be supplied from our portfolio to counter any competitive initiatives.Contact Person – Represents the organization as contact person for customers requiring technical support within East Africa. This involves both phone and e-mail support and face to face meetings at customer site or office.Technological Support - Application and Technical Support across the full spectrum of our food sector business.Marketing - Assist the Commercial Manager in managing pricing proposals and customer relations in the territories via distributors and direct contactAnalyze customer processes and formulation in order to make recommendations in a timely manner meeting customer requirements for cost savings, quality improvements and product innovation.Supply Chain Project Support - coordination of supply chain activities in the region - including in-house inventory management Market Co-ordination - coordinate demand for specialty products and samples with the South African business and directly with affiliate suppliers as required.Improvement initiatives – Listen and fully understand the needs of customers and then work with the sales team to quickly deliver innovative solutions.Business Acumen – Interpret and explain business data to management and design and produce high quality reports.Product Development- Identify new product development opportunities through detailed customer project briefs to meet changing market and customer needs for functional, innovative solutions.Build Networks – Develop strong contacts and prioritize resources and activities within the region, network with customers, external collaborative partners and build relationships within the food industry.  Training - Assist with the training and development of internal tech service staff and staff at distributors to ensure a high level of technical support is available in the Region.Work with diverse group of people within an international organization and utilize global resources to support local needsDocument technical work centrally and communicate project results internally as well as externally to customersInternal departments - coordinate the specialty and legacy of the  business in Kenya - work closely with the Kenyan sales team to exploit market opportunitiesKnowledge, Skills and Requirements:  Must be a holder of a Food Science, or related Degree (Mandatory)Extensive relevant experience, in Marketing and Sales Management of Industrial Products and knowledge of management system - ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 22000:2005, HACCP, GMP. Minimum 5 years’ experience in Technical sales support services in a Food Manufacturing environment preferably dairy, savory or juice production. At least 3 years at management level.Solid understanding of food science, industrial food processes, and the interactions between different food ingredients and ingredient systems with experience in food product formulations.Experienced in managing people; risk, diversity and ambiguity and capable of developing and translating strategy into clear objectives and deliverables  Business acumen and understanding of levers impacting top and bottom line results English fluency, both written and spoken, another international language an added advantageStrong analytical, numerical and IT skills. Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)Excellent presentation and communication skillsDesired Behavior, Personal Attributes (Success Drivers and Competencies):Extreme attention to detail, and working to strict deadlinesExcellent interpersonal skills and aptitude for building relationships across the organizationExcellent negotiation and networking skillsStrong planning and organizing skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities.Able to work independently and in a teamAbility to work long hours including weekendsThis position is based in Nairobi but involves regional and periodic international travel.
Application Procedure:

Applicants should email their cover letter and CV with names of three referees who can provide confidential assessment of their capabilities. Indicate on your CV your current and expected salary.

All communication relating to application for these positions should be addressed to:

therecexpert@gmail.com

On the subject matter of the email, ensure you indicate the position you are applying for.

Applications should be received by 29th January 2015.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.