Area Sales Manager - Industrial Accounts, Fermented Beverages Sector

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Sales (DoS) EMEA, you will play a key and cross-functional role in developing the industrial segment (Key Accounts and independent breweries) across the EMEA zone. Your mission? To structure, initiate, and drive industrial projects in collaboration with local teams, ensuring strategic alignment and rapid execution.

Key Responsibilities:

✅ Industrial Strategy

Contribute to the EMEA industrial segment strategy in alignment with the three-year plan by mapping priority accounts, identifying emerging opportunities, and conducting competitive intelligence to share insights with sales and marketing teams.

✅ Industrial Project ManagementLead the full lifecycle of industrial projects (trials, deployments, partnerships) in coordination with commercial  and technical teams, including on-site trial monitoring, progress documentation for EMEA leadership, and cross-border initiative coordination while respecting local commercial dynamics.

✅ Cross-Functional CollaborationSupport sales teams in qualifying and prioritizing industrial opportunities, collaborate with the Key Account Director on global projects, and promote best practice sharing across teams.

✅ Technical & Commercial ExpertiseDevelop recognized expertise in fermentation processes (beer, wine, spirits) and industrial challenges (scalability, cost, innovation), train local teams on segment-specific requirements, and represent Fermentis at key events (e.g., BrauBeviale, Drinktec, local brewing exhibitions, client meetings).

✅ Performance Tracking & ReportingMonitor and analyze industrial segment KPIs (project pipeline, trial conversion rates, revenue, timelines) and provide monthly reporting to the EMEA Director of Sales on project progress, identified risks, and support needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Engineering degree (food science, biotechnology, brewing, oenology) or Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7-8 years in a commercial, technical, or business development role in B2B and fermented beverages (beer, wine, spirits).
• Proven experience in the industrial sector (Key Accounts, independent breweries, cooperatives) and understanding of large-scale production challenges.
• Project management experience in a cross-functional, international context.
• Fluent English is mandatory; another language (German, Spanish, Dutch, etc.) is a plus.

Key Skills:

• Cross-functional leadership: Ability to influence and align stakeholders without direct authority (ASM, RSM, TSSM, clients).
• Analytical and strategic mindset: Aptitude for identifying opportunities, anticipating trends, and proposing innovative solutions.
• Relationship excellence: Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and ability to build lasting partnerships with demanding industrial clients.
• Rigor and organization: Proficiency in reporting tools (CRM, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Autonomy and proactivity: Initiative and adaptability in a multicultural, decentralized environment.

Differentiating Assets:

• Passion for fermented beverages (beer, wine, spirits, etc.) and knowledge of market trends (craft, organic, low-alcohol, etc.).
• Experience in an international group or a growing SME.
• Awareness of sustainability challenges (circular economy, environmental impact) and industrial expectations in this area.

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid position (remote work + travel), based in Europe (France or another EMEA country).
• Travel: 50% of the time (client visits, coordination with local teams, on-site trial monitoring).

Join a family-owned company with a rich heritage, driven by human values and our mission to "Nourish and Protect our Planet." Grow in a rewarding work environment within a multicultural setting.

At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and teams. We are committed to providing an empowering work environment, regardless of your background, gender, age, or abilities. We welcome all applications, as we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet tomorrow’s challenges.

This position is open to people with disabilities.