The posting
Our client is a key player in the agricultural production sector. They are looking to hire a motivated, results-driven Sales Manager to spearhead plantain flour sales in Nigeria and internationally. The successful candidate must have strong prior successful B2B sales background in packaged goods, preferably bulk flour. International sales leads and exports. JOB SUMMARY The ideal candidate will own end-to-end revenue generation for plantain flour across domestic and international markets by building predictable B2B demand pipelines, securing large-scale buyers, and ensuring consistent off-take of production capacity (target: 100% absorption of output, scaling to 400 MT/month). This is a revenue generating role, not a relationship management role. The Sales Manager is accountable for: • Selling 100% of monthly production output (initially 100–200 MT, scaling to 400 MT/month) • Building a predictable pipeline of B2B buyers (domestic + export) • Securing repeat bulk contracts with distributors, manufacturers, and food processors • Developing export channels into at least 2–3 active international markets • Maintaining pricing discipline to protect margin while achieving volume targets JOB RESPONSIBILITY 1. Revenue Generation & Sales Execution • Drive bulk sales of plantain flour to: Distributors Food manufacturers FMCG aggregators institutional buyers • Convert production capacity into consistent purchase contracts • Achieve monthly off-take targets aligned to factory output • Manage deal cycles from lead generation to payment confirmation 2. Market Development (Nigeria + Export) • Build structured buyer database across: Nigeria (regional distributors, wholesalers, food processors) West Africa (Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, etc.) Europe, North America, and Asia (diaspora + ethnic food markets + industrial users) • Identify high-demand segments: gluten-free food manufacturers bakery ingredient suppliers ethnic food distributors health food brands • Continuously map new market opportunities 3. Export Development & Market Entry • Identify and pursue export buyers, agents, and distributors • Participate in international trade fairs, food exhibitions, and sourcing events • Build export-ready sales pipeline including: documentation requirements buyer compliance expectations logistics coordination with operations team • Develop at least 2 active export channels within 12–18 months 4. Strategic Partnerships (White Label / Private Label) • Develop “black label / private label” partnerships with global distributors • Position the company as a contract manufacturer for branded flour products • Negotiate long-term supply agreements with volume commitments • Build recurring revenue contracts instead of one-off sales 5. Pricing Strategy & Revenue Optimization • Maintain structured pricing database: domestic pricing tiers export pricing structures volume-based discounts • Protect gross margin while driving volume growth • Provide feedback loop to operations on price sensitivity vs demand 6. Pipeline Management & Sales Discipline • Build and maintain CRM-style pipeline tracking: lead stage negotiation stage committed buyers repeat customers • Ensure visibility of: monthly forecasted demand conversion rates deal velocity • Maintain disciplined follow-up cycles for all prospects 7. Trade Events & Market Representation • Identify and attend relevant: international food fairs FMCG expos ingredient sourcing conferences • Convert events into measurable pipeline growth (not networking-only participation) • Build structured post-event follow-up systems 8. Reporting & Revenue Intelligence • Submit weekly sales performance reports: volume sold vs target pipeline status conversion rates revenue forecast • Provide market intelligence: o competitor pricing o demand trends o buyer feedback • Flag risks to sales absorption early (not after production issues occur) JOB REQUIREMENT • Minimum 7–10 years in B2B FMCG / food ingredient sales • Proven experience selling bulk packaged goods OR commodities OR food manufacturing inputs • Experience managing large volume accounts (not retail sales) Candidate must demonstrate: • Actual history of selling at scale (tonnage, pallets, container volumes) • Documented revenue achievements (not vague targets) • Experience closing institutional or distributor-level contracts • Ability to handle long sales cycles and negotiation pressure • Prior exposure to international buyers or export processes • Experience with trade documentation or cross-border logistics • Familiarity with food import requirements (FDA, EU, etc.) SKILLS & COMPETENCIES • Strong negotiation ability at institutional level • Ability to build and manage structured sales pipelines • High resilience in deal closure cycles • Strong communication and persuasion skills • Data-driven sales mindset (not intuition-based selling) PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS (FIRST 90 DAYS) • Active buyer pipeline established (minimum 30–50 qualified leads) • First repeat bulk buyers secured • Clear pricing and segmentation strategy defined • Initial export leads identified • Monthly demand forecast aligned with production output • CRM or structured tracking system operational
