Technical Sales Manager, in Japan / Tokyo
Ohly is the third largest yeast extract producer in the world with sites in Germany and the USA. We develop, produce and deliver high-quality yeast-based flavours and specialty powders. Ohly is part of the $17.6bn turnover Associated British Food (ABF) Group. ABF is a broad portfolio of businesses which includes Primark, Ovaltine, Twinings, AB Enzymes, and is the world’s second largest producer of both sugar and baker’s yeast.
ABF takes a long-term perspective on investment and performance, and stimulates entrepreneurship by giving high degrees of autonomy to operational businesses. This means that decisions are taken as close as possible to their point of impact allowing teams the freedom to act, in order to be successfully flexible and fast. ABF invests a great deal in selecting and developing the right people for Ohly and the broader ABF group of companies.
We are looking for a highly motivated Technical Sales Manager to drive business growth and strengthen our presence in Japan / Tokyo. In this critical role, you will develop new business opportunities, deepen relationships with existing customers, and provide technical expertise in yeast derivatives and bionutrients.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven professional with strong technical acumen who thrives in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
As a Technical Sales Manager, you will:
Business Development & Sales Growth
1. Build strong momentum with both new and existing accounts to meet or exceed revenue, margin, and engagement targets
2. Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities across key market segments
3. Develop and maintain a robust pipeline including new accounts and expansion opportunities within existing customers
4. Lead and execute strategic business development plans to grow market share in Japan
5. Achieve growth targets for new products and applications
Account Management & Strategy
6. Develop, document, and execute structured account plans and strategies
7. Build comprehensive customer relationship maps to ensure sustainable and profitable growth
8. Manage direct customers, distributors, and global accounts within the bionutrients platform
9. Strengthen long-term partnerships by understanding evolving customer needs
Commercial Execution
10. Lead negotiations and successfully close new business deals
11. Coordinate requirements across internal functions to ensure successful contract execution
12. Deliver accurate monthly sales forecasts and annual budgets, including variance analysis
Technical & Customer Support
13. Provide technical support and guidance to customers, troubleshooting challenges related to yeast derivatives and bionutrients
14. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve customer issues efficiently
15. Deliver compelling technical presentations, demonstrations, and solution-based proposals
16. Develop financial business cases for new product opportunities and applications
You should have:
17. Proven experience in technical sales, business development, or a similar role
18. Strong track record in prospecting, negotiation, and closing deals
19. Demonstrated success in growing business at existing and new accounts
20. Solid technical or market knowledge (preferably in fermentation, bionutrients, or related sectors)
21. Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
22. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
23. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
24. Business-fluent Japanese and English
25. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), CRM tools, and MS Teams
26. Degree in chemistry, biology, fermentation science, or a business-related field
Personal Attributes
27. Self-starter with a high level of motivation and accountability
28. Results-driven with a positive, energetic mindset
29. Strong team player with a collaborative approach
Nice to have:
30. 10+ years of experience in sales or business development within bionutrients or fermentation ingredients in Japan
31. Advanced degree in fermentation science, food science, or a related field
32. Experience selling into enzymes, probiotics, or culture media markets
33. Established network within the Japanese biopharma or fermentation industry