Interim Sales Manager Italy

The organisation

Our client is a fast-growing, internationally operating food ingredients company, active in value-added and application-driven solutions for food manufacturers. The organization combines entrepreneurial speed with strong technical capabilities and a solid international supply chain.

The position

We are looking for an Interim Sales Manager Italy – Food Ingredients who will take commercial responsibility for the Italian market. In this role, you will manage and further develop Italian key accounts, drive new business opportunities, and translate customer needs into commercially viable ingredient solutions.

The focus of the role is Italy, one of Europe’s most important food manufacturing and innovation markets. Communicating (business) Italian is important. While the commercial territory is Italy, the base location is Amsterdam, with travel to Italy required (20%). You will act as a senior commercial partner to customers, working closely with internal stakeholders across R&D, operations and supply chain to deliver value-added, sustainable solutions. Remote working is not possible. 

Expected duration:

• Start date: January 2026
• 12 months 
• 5 days a week

Tasks & responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Revenue and Margin Growth:  Drive sales growth across the Italian key account portfolio, delivering agreed revenue and margin targets during the interim period.
• Key Account Management: Maintain and expand relationships with strategic customers, identifying opportunities for cross-selling and upselling value-added ingredient solutions.
• Market Development: Identify and convert new business opportunities within Italy, with a focus on long-term commercial potential.
• Project and Stakeholder Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams to deliver complex customer projects efficiently and professionally.
• Market Representation: Act as a commercial ambassador of the organization in the Italian market, including participation in relevant industry events when required.

Candidate profile

• Proven experience in B2B industry sales within the food ingredients or related food manufacturing sector. With products like; spices, editable oils, cocoa, protein, etc..
• Strong understanding of industrial food applications and value chains.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex customer relationships and negotiate commercial agreements.
• Comfortable operating independently in an matrix environment, with a hands-on and results-driven mindset.
• You must be able speak Italian (base/ business level). And business English is required 
• Willing and able to travel to Italy and Switzerland (20%).
• Base location: Amsterdam. Remote working is not possible 

The offer

Competitive market-conforming interim rate.

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below. For more information contact Timo de Smet at +31 6 26 03 66 08.

Selection Process

• CV screening by AFF Recruitment & Executive Search.
• Introductory interview with an AFF consultant.
• 2 Interviews with the client.
• Reference check.
• Contract discussion.