KUK has been a trusted partner in specialty food and pharma ingredients since 1945. Headquartered in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, KUK operates through 23 subsidiaries across Europe, Central Asia, and East Africa. The company specializes in distributing specialty food and pharma ingredients, acting as a bridge between global suppliers and high-quality manufacturers. 

KUK’s core philosophy is adding value through strategic specialization, technical expertise, and localized support. Clients include bakeries, dairies, juice and soft drink producers, meat processing factories, sauce producers, and more. With a strong emphasis on a hands-on sales approach, KUK works directly with customers without intermediaries or agents to ensure the highest quality and most effective solutions. 

The Country Manager (25%) / Sales Manager (75%) will be responsible for establishing KUK’s business in Ethiopia, driving overall market performance, and ensuring sales growth in the food industry sector. The role requires expertise in food technology, sales management, and logistics, as well as leadership across functions including government relations, partnerships, operations, and local marketing. As Country Manager, you will ensure operational excellence while staying closely connected to the local market, identifying opportunities for growth, and building strong partnerships with food producers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Sales & Business Development (75%)

• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and supplier product ranges to identify new business opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with food producers and industry stakeholders.

• Develop and implement sales strategies for specialty ingredients.

• Conduct customer visits, needs assessments, and propose value-added solutions.

• Provide technical advice on ingredient applications and develop tailor-made recipes.

• Support production trials at customer sites and small-scale trials in KUK’s application kitchen.

• Prepare and follow up on quotations, projects, and payments.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (certifications, labeling, import).

2. Country Management (25%)

• Represent KUK-Ethiopia and maintain strong relationships with international suppliers.

• Oversee business processes, including logistics, contracts, warehousing, and administration.

•  Ensure financial control, including cost management, payment monitoring, and exchange rate considerations.

• Lead, coach, and motivate the local team across functions.

• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian authorities and regulations.

•  Drive profitability and operational excellence of KUK-Ethiopia.

Authority:

• Direct oversight of sales operations and local business processes.

• Authority to negotiate with customers within approved guidelines.

• Responsible for financial performance and compliance in Ethiopia

Job Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in the food industry (production and/or sales).

• Proven track record in sales management, business development, or technical food applications. 

Skills & Attributes

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a passion for developing food products.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities.

• Highly organized, reliable, and able to guide and motivate employees.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical and commercial priorities.

• Proactive, positive thinker with customer-oriented mindset.

• Skilled computer user.

Languages

• Fluent in written and spoken English.

• Amharic fluency preferred.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply by sending their CV and a cover letter only on kenan.gebru@ethiojobs.net with the subject line: “Application –for  Country Manager / Sales Manager".

The application deadline is 09/01/2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.