Jr. Sales Manager Southern Europe

**Company Description**
For over 30 years, Lesaffre has been involved in Human Health & Nutrition as part of its ambition to Better Nourish and Protect the Planet. In November 2018, Lesaffre acquired Gnosis Advanced Biotech and officially combined it with Lesaffre Human Care to form a new Business Unit named **Gnosis by Lesaffre**.

At **Gnosis by Lesaffre**, we are committed to cultivating and to delivering nutritional actives, probiotics, and nutritional and functional yeasts that benefit human health and wellbeing, thanks to the power of microorganisms and biotransformation processes like fermentation. Put differently, we explore life to improve living.

Our vision: At **Gnosis by Lesaffre**, we strive for a world that moves better, digests better, ages better, feels better, and, ultimately, lives better thanks to microorganisms and biotransformation.

In this role you’ll be part of our international Sales Team, directly reporting to the Regional Southern Europe & MEA Sales Manager, your key responsibilities will be:
**1. Drive Sales & Market Growth**
- Develop and execute sales strategies in close liaison with your N+1 for dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods.
- Expand business through **new customer acquisition**and **existing account growth**through sales and technical promotion of our active ingredients and solutions.
- Support and manage distributors/agents to meet ambitious sales targets.
- Identify **CMOs, Brandowners** and market trends and position **innovative ingredients** effectively.

**2. Customer & Partner Management**
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers at all levels.
- Conduct technical training and joint visits with distributors.
- Manage customer accounts, ensuring smooth order processing, claims, and overdue settlements.
- Use **CRM tools (Sales Force)** to track opportunities and forecast sales.

**3. Market & Business Development**
- Identify **new business opportunities** and build a pipeline for long-term growth.
- Collaborate with marketing to execute **promotional campaigns, trade shows, and industry events**.
- Monitor competitor activities and adjust strategies accordingly.

**4. Strategic Planning & Execution**
- Contribute to annual budgeting, forecasting, and commercial strategy development.
- Implement BU pricing policies and provide sales performance reports.
- Work cross-functionally with **technical, R&D, and marketing teams** to support business goals.

**Qualifications**
- ** Bachelor’s degree** (Pharmacy, Science, Food & Nutrition preferred); MBA is a plus.
- ** 3-5+ years of B2B sales/marketing/R&D experience**, ideally in Food Supplement Ingredients.
- Strong **negotiation, communication, and relationship-building** skills.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: identify new markets and customer needs.
- Proficiency in **English**; Spanish is a plus.
- Willing to **travel internationally (up to 60%)**.

**Soft Skills**

✔ Results-driven, with a strong track record in **revenue growth & market expansion**.
✔ Ability to **position and sell novel ingredients** effectively.
✔ Strong **problem-solving & project management** skills.
✔ Experience managing **multiple accounts, distributors, and projects** simultaneously.
**Additional Information**
- The job is based in Desio (MB) - Italy
- Permanent Contract, Full-time

**Why Join Us?**
- Be part of a **growing industry** with innovative, high-demand ingredients.
- Work in a **dynamic international environment** with career growth opportunities.
- Competitive salary, benefits, smart working and the chance to **lead market expansion** in a key region.