About the Role & Company
Our client is a globally established supplier of flavours, seasonings, and functional food ingredients, serving major food manufacturers in the snacks, ready meals, and processed food sectors. As part of their continued growth in Malaysia, they are seeking a Sales Manager to drive commercial expansion and manage client relationships. The role requires someone who can operate effectively across both technical and commercial conversations.
What You'll Be Doing
- Developing a sales strategy for the Malaysian market and delivering against revenue and margin targets
- Identifying and securing new business with manufacturers requiring seasoning blends, savoury flavours, and dry ingredients
- Managing and growing a portfolio of existing key accounts
- Advising clients on product development and application, drawing on food science expertise
- Partnering with R&D and Application teams on technical proposals, product trials, and formulation troubleshooting
- Monitoring industry trends — clean label, plant-based, halal compliance — and applying them to client solutions
- Coordinating with supply chain on demand forecasting and delivery timelines
- Sharing market insights (competitor activity, pricing, demand shifts) with the marketing and product teams
- Maintaining CRM records, pipeline data, and monthly reports for leadership reviews
What You'll Need
- A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field
- 3+ years of B2B sales experience in food ingredients, ideally selling flavours, seasonings, dehydrated vegetables, hydrocolloids, or specialty ingredients to manufacturers
- Working knowledge of ingredient functionality, food processing, and flavour chemistry (including the Maillard reaction)
- Strong negotiation, pricing, and contract management skills
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage both procurement and technical stakeholders
- Fluency in English and Mandarin — Mandarin is required given the client base and regional HQ ties
- A proactive, results-driven approach to business development; strong hunter mentality
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to travel within Malaysia, with occasional regional travel
Nice to Have
- Existing relationships within Malaysia's FMCG and food manufacturing sector