Sales Manager - Plant Proteins & Food Ingredients

Hartmann Young is partnered with a growing European plant‑based ingredient producer supplying the food markets, with recent investment in dry extraction technology and clear ambitions to scale across Central Europe.

The business operates at volume scale today while actively moving into higher‑value segments, creating an opportunity for a commercially strong Sales Manager to take ownership of Northern Italy and drive the next phase of growth.

As Sales Manager, you will own commercial performance across Northern Italy, building a robust customer base while developing new routes to market for plant protein solutions.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and growing sales across Northern Italy
• Building and managing a strong food‑focused customer book, with exposure to pet food
• Selling plant protein solutions including pea‑based ingredients, concentrates and dry‑extracted products
• Developing new accounts through direct commercial activity, trade fairs and on‑the‑road sales
• Managing and working alongside distributor partners while expanding direct customer relationships
• Leading commercial negotiations, pricing and volume‑based agreements
• Providing market insight to support longer‑term opportunities, including nutraceutical applications
• Representing the business with customers, distributors and at key industry events
• We’re looking for someone who understands how volume‑driven food ingredients are sold, scaled and commercialised across European markets.

You will ideally bring:

• Experience selling food ingredients, proteins or volume‑based raw materials
• A strong commercial track record across Italy or Southern Europe
• An established customer or distributor network (not junior)
• Proven ability to open new markets and build territory ownership
• Strong commercial instincts with a trader or technically led sales mindset
• Comfort operating autonomously in a lean, entrepreneurial environment
• Willingness to travel regularly across the region

Why This Opportunity?

This is a commercially compelling role offering:

• Ownership of Northern Italy with long‑term account responsibility
• A growing ingredient platform with existing production and customers
• Recent investment in dry extraction and processing capability
• High‑impact role in a small, agile commercial team
• Competitive base salary with volume‑driven bonus structure
• Flexible location with remote working and regular market travel