[Hiring] Sales Manager Pet Food Ingredients @GFIC

Role Description

We are looking for an energetic, commercially driven, and technically minded Sales Manager Pet Food (DACH) to join our growing team. In this pivotal role, you will lead our regional sales strategy, build long-term customer partnerships, and drive innovation across the pet food industry in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Your Ingredient Portfolio Focus

• Proteins: Plant-Based, Animal-Based & Novel Food (e.g., Insect Protein)
• Hydrocolloids & Thickeners: Functional binding & texturizing solutions (specifically for Wet Food)
• Gut Health, Prebiotics & Wellbeing: Digestive & holistic pet health solutions
• Amino Acids & Vitamins: Essential dietary fortification
• Carbohydrates, Starches & Dietary Fibers: Form & texture optimization
• Fats, Oils & Emulsifiers: Energy sources, Omega fatty acids & emulsion stability
• Minerals & Salts: Balanced essential minerals
• Flavor, Color & Shelf Life: Palatability, visual appeal & natural preservation solutions

Tasks

• Account Management & Growth: Build, manage, and expand strategic relationships with pet food manufacturers and formulators across the DACH region.
• Business Development: Identify market opportunities, manage sales pipelines, and collaborate with key supplier principals on pricing and forecasting.
• Concept Development: Work alongside marketing and technical teams to create custom product concepts and deliver innovative customer-tailored solutions.
• Quality & Compliance: Partner with QA to navigate regulatory frameworks and set up product trial protocols with supply partners.
• Industry Engagement: Build and maintain active networks with research institutions, agricultural universities, and industry bodies.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree (BSc/MSc) in Animal Nutrition, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of successful specialty B2B sales within Animal Nutrition, Pet Food, or Human Nutrition.
• Skills: Strong commercial track record, solid technical application knowledge, and excellent negotiation/networking skills.
• Mindset: Proactive self-starter who thrives in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced team environment.
• Languages & Mobility: Fluency in German and English; willingness to travel frequently across the DACH region.

Benefits

• Attractive Compensation: Competitive base salary + performance-aligned bonus structure.
• Mobility & Flexibility: Modern home office setup with full flexibility and a premium company car.
• Generous Time-Off: 30 days of annual leave.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Private pension options, healthcare programs, and corporate perks.
• Culture: Short decision-making paths, high degree of autonomy, and an empowering international environment.

Company Description

GFIC is a boutique recruitment consultancy situated to the south of Munich, founded by Alfred Geiger in 2006. GFIC is consulting in FMGC Food Ingredients, Starch, Glucose, Sweeteners, Flavours, Fruit Preparations, Beverages, Dairy, Nutraceuticals, Pharma, Colours, Cosmetics, Hydrocolloids, and more. GFIC is consulting in Recruitment (Full Time, Interim Positions, Members for the Advisory Board) and is recruiting global C-Level candidates.