Sales Manager (F/M)

Our client is an innovative and fast-growing company in the field of food diagnostics, developing advanced solutions to ensure safety and quality across the agri-food value chain. With a strong scientific foundation and a growing international footprint, the company partners with laboratories, industry players, and regulatory stakeholders to deliver reliable and sustainable testing solutions. As part of its European expansion, the organization is reinforcing its scientific positioning and accelerating market access in key countries.

As a Sales Manager, you will play a key role in developing our client direct commercial presence across the Benelux region. Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, you will manage existing customer relationships while actively identifying and developing new business opportunities, primarily within the dairy industry, laboratories and agricultural sectors.

This position combines scientific understanding with a proactive commercial mindset. You will work autonomously to develop the territory, build trusted customer relationships and contribute directly to the company's growth.

Business Development & Sales

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy across the Benelux region.
• Build and strengthen direct relationships with existing customers following the transition from the distributor model.
• Identify, prospect and develop new business opportunities within dairy companies, laboratories, farms and other food industry players.
• Build and maintain a healthy sales pipeline using CRM tools.
• Achieve sales objectives while protecting pricing strategy and margins.

Customer Relationship Management

• Understand customer needs and recommend appropriate diagnostic solutions.
• Build long-term relationships with both purchasing and scientific stakeholders.
• Provide first-level technical support and coordinate with internal experts when required.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and identify opportunities for business expansion.

Market Development

• Conduct market analysis to identify new business opportunities and market trends.
• Develop territory action plans and prioritize high-potential customers.
• Gather customer feedback and competitive intelligence to support strategic decisions.
• Contribute to the company's commercial development strategy across the Benelux region.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing, R&D, Regulatory and Operations teams to support customer projects and commercial initiatives.
• Participate in product launches, demonstrations and pilot projects.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences and trade fairs (e.g. International Dairy Federation).

Education: 

Bachelor's or Master's degree or Phd in a scientific discipline such as:

• Bioengineering
• Food Science
• Biotechnology
• Veterinary Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Agronomy

or another related scientific field. A scientific background is considered essential.

Experience: 

• Around 2–3 years of experience in Sales, Business Development, Technical Sales or another customer-facing role.
• Experience within Food Diagnostics, Food Safety, Dairy, Animal Health, Life Sciences or Laboratory environments is highly valued.
• Candidates with strong scientific expertise and demonstrated commercial potential are encouraged to apply.

Technical & Business Skills : 

• Business development and prospecting.
• Customer relationship management.
• Market analysis and territory development.
• CRM management and sales pipeline monitoring.
• Ability to understand and communicate technical products to scientific and commercial audiences.
• Strong commercial awareness combined with scientific curiosity.

Soft Skills : 

• Self-driven and highly autonomous.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong hunter mentality.
• Results-oriented while maintaining a consultative sales approach.
• Excellent communication and active listening skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-up abilities.
• Comfortable initiating new customer relationships and developing business from scratch.
• Curious, proactive and solution-oriented.

Other Requirements :

• Fluent English is required.
• Dutch is highly recommended and considered a strong asset.
• German is a significant advantage.
• French is a plus but not mandatory.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time across the region.
• Valid driving licence. 

• A unique opportunity to build and develop the Benelux market within a fast-growing international company.
• High level of autonomy and ownership.
• Exposure to customers across the dairy, laboratory and food industries.
• Career development opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization.
• Collaborative international environment combining Sales, Marketing, R&D and Operations.

If you are passionate about combining science and business development and enjoy building long-term customer relationships in an international environment, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please submit your CV together with a cover letter highlighting your scientific background, commercial experience and motivation to develop the market.