Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe.
We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
AAK Location
This position is preferably based out of Poland or Ukraine.
If you are currently not based in these countries we support relocation to Poland
About The Role
As the Sales Manager East Europe and CIS you will be responsible for the overall sales in the food industry assigned in Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan etc. The main purpose of the role will be leading sales activities among current and potential customers in the region, supporting multiple departments, ensuring that customer needs quotation, documentation, specifications, production feasibility, upscaling and quality tasks of AAK products are met while enabling effective production.
Responsibilities
Your main tasks and responsibilities will be:
- Maintain rigorous, proactive communication with existing and potential clients to drive successful contract negotiations, ensure timely deliveries, and maximize business opportunities.
- Identify and pursue new sales prospects, demonstrating a relentless drive to expand AAK’s position in the market.
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of regional market preferences and consumer trends to inform strategic decisions.
- Conduct thorough competitive analysis within the region to uncover opportunities for differentiation and growth.
- Take full ownership of the company’s presence, ensuring consistent engagement and strategic brand positioning.
- Develop precise product, pricing, and positioning strategies tailored to regional market needs and competitive landscapes.
- Build and optimize a strong distribution network to expand market penetration and drive sales.
- Forge direct, strategic relationships with key customers, including major enterprises and mid-sized companies, to solidify market presence.
- Prioritize high-impact, results-oriented face-to-face meetings to strengthen client relationships and drive business growth.
- Be a key communication bridge between customers and AAK, including Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality and production departments.
About You
- To excel in this role, you must be highly self-motivated, disciplined, and exceptionally organized, with the ability to manage workload and deadlines independently and within the department. You must possess communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical and sales-related information clearly to stakeholders with varying levels of expertise. You must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with diverse personalities to drive optimal business outcomes. Adaptability, resilience, and the capacity to manage complex issues and rapidly evolving situations are essential.
Additionally you bring the following:
- Fluency in Russian and English and preferably any other additional language.
- Experience in a commercial role within the CIS or Eastern Europe region and knowledgeable of local cultures.
- Experience in the food industry is required particularly within edible oils and fats or Confectionary, chocolate, dairy or ice cream companies.
- A food science or technical education.
- Prior experience working with large-scale, multi-national customers is advantageous.
- Proven experience in working cross functionally and operating effectively within multi-cultural, geographically diverse teams.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and efficiently utilize new or customized IT systems.
- Ability to travel intensively and you hold the correct document to travel in and outside of Europe and CIS region
In return AAK offers
- Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
- In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
- AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
- You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
- Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.
Contact and information
Please apply through our career portal. For further information about the position, please contact Luuck van Kooten via Luuck.van.kooten@aak.com
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
