Optimal, on behalf of its client, a leading multinational company operating in the food industry, provides premium bakery and pastry solutions to retailers and the food service sector, is looking for a Sales & Business Development Manager based in Athens.
The Sales & Business Development Manager will be responsible for launching and growing the company’s commercial presence in the Greek market and playing a crucial role in developing new business opportunities, fostering long-term client relationships, and driving sales and profitability. This is a pivotal role focused on building strategic partnerships with key retail and HoReCa players from the ground up.
Responsibilities
- Prospecting and establishing new client relationships and partnerships
- Achieve sales and profitability targets (net sales growth, margin improvement, product mix optimization).
- Develop and implement an annual Account Plan for key accounts.
- Monitor account P&L performance, analyze deviations, and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure timely credit management and outstanding payment collection.
- Oversee pricing and promotional strategies in alignment with business objectives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, marketing, billing, and R&D teams.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing managers of key clients.
- Conduct annual negotiations including pricing, contracts, new product introductions, and adjustments.
- Design and monitor promotional activities to enhance sales.
Requirements
- University degree in Business Administration, Economics, Management, or Engineering
- A master’s degree in Sales or Marketing is highly valued.
- Fluency in English is required due to frequent internal communication with international teams and reporting lines
- At least 6 years of experience in business development or key account management, with a strong track record of building new markets or launching operations in a new geography, ideally in the food, retail, or hospitality sectors
- Excellent command of Microsoft Office tools
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and persuasion skills
- Results-driven mindset with strong commercial acumen
- Ability to manage resources efficiently and work cross-functionally
- Proactive attitude with strong conflict management skills
The Company offers:
- Company Car
- Meal Vouchers
- Laptop & Mobile
- Private health insurance
- Bonus based on performance
- A dynamic and supportive working environment
- Long-term career and personal growth prospects within a multinational and evolving organization.
About Optimal
Since 2005, Optimal has provided unparalleled, bespoke HR services to large organizations and SMEs operating in the EMEA region. We pride ourselves on delivering a 360° business support platform to our clients through 6 service divisions:
- Talent Acquisition
- HR Strategy & Talent Development
- Learning & Development
- Workforce Management
- Recruiting
- Outplacement