Cluster Leader & Senior Account Manager, Dairy

Own and drive the dairy portfolio strategy across Africa, delivering on ambitious growth targets and profitability objectives. Manage a strategic portfolio of key regional customers and distributors across the dairy value chain—from fresh and powdered milk to cheese, yogurt, UHT, and plant-based alternatives. Develop and execute country-specific growth plans aligned with segment priorities and local market realities. Act as the Cluster Leader for Ingredient Solutions Africa, coaching and guiding cross-segment commercial team members. Build internal capability by organizing regional training, customer workshops, and market activation activities. Ensure collaborative alignment with regulatory, marketing, supply chain, and application teams to drive customer intimacy and operational efficiency. Serve as a credible technical partner to customers by understanding dairy processes (fermentation, formulation, heat treatment, etc.) and recommending functional ingredient solutions accordingly. Provide application and formulation insights across various sub-segments (fresh milk, processed cheese, yogurt, evaporated/condensed milk, flavored dairy, and dairy alternatives). Translate consumer and customer trends (clean label, sugar/fat reduction, texture improvements) into actionable ingredient-based solutions. Drive new product development (NPD) and innovation projects in collaboration with the technical service and application experts. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Dairy Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field. A background in Dairy Microbiology is an added advantage. 8+ years of progressive experience in the dairy ingredients or technical dairy sales domain within B2B industries, ideally with exposure across African markets. Deep understanding of dairy formulation principles, ingredient functionalities, processing techniques (UHT, HTST, fermentation, etc.), and performance testing of enzymes, cultures, stabilizers, and functional blends. Proven ability to manage large accounts, drive long-term projects, and navigate complex customer organizations. Experience leading teams or coaching junior commercial or technical colleagues. Strong business acumen with comfort owning and optimizing P&L. Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Fluent in English; French or Portuguese is a plus. Willingness to travel extensively (>50%) across Africa. Deliver full P&L responsibility for the dairy business in the region, including forecasting, pricing, budget ownership, and sales execution.