Business Unit Manager - Ragusa, Sicily, Italy

Cosa offriamo

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Business Unit start-up and development

Define the operating model of the Carob Powder BU: positioning, product/service portfolio, sales channels, cost structure and margins Set up the BU’s commercial, technical and administrative processes from scratch, in coordination with Management Propose and negotiate agreements with raw material suppliers and industrial partners Define the go-to-market plan and the development priorities for the first 12–24 months Actively participate in the selection of any additional resources to be integrated into the BU during the scale-up phase Launch and manage customer acquisition across the chocolate compounders segment (manufacturers of cocoa substitutes, coatings, compounds and fillings) and the bakery industry (biscuit manufacturers, industrial pastry producers, snacks and confectionery) Leverage and develop an established customer portfolio within the industry Define and negotiate supply contracts, framework agreements and commercial terms Continuously monitor the European cocoa powder market, analyse competitors and identify new business opportunities Represent the company at national and international trade fairs and industry events (e.g. Sigep, Fi Europe) 3. Technical oversight of production plants

Support bakery and compound customers in validating product technical specifications (technical data sheets, CoAs, organoleptic and chemical-physical parameters of the powder) Collaborate with R&D and production teams to develop customised solutions Manage post-sales technical issues in coordination with the technical support service Provide technical training to customers on the optimal use of products and equipment Provide technical training to customers on the optimal use of different types of cocoa powder, including selecting the appropriate pH for bakery vs. compound applications and understanding the impact of alkalisation processes on colour and flavour Read and interpret plant diagrams, technical specifications and process sheets 4. Management and reporting

Define the BU’s annual budget and monitor commercial and profitability KPIs Provide structured reporting to Management on pipeline, forecasts, sales performance and progress of the start-up project Manage pricing according to raw material trends, including cocoa index, cocoa butter and sugar Experience

At least 7–10 years of experience in technical-commercial roles selling cocoa powder as an industrial ingredient to bakery and/or chocolate compound customers, with the ability to support customers in adopting cocoa powder or replacing existing solutions, at least partially Background in companies that actively sell cocoa powder to industrial customers Active and demonstrable customer portfolio within the chocolate compounders and/or bakery industry segments: a highly valued and priority factor during the selection process Direct and documented experience in the launch, commissioning or start-up of cocoa powder production plants or, more broadly, cocoa processing facilities: essential requirement Previous experience in developing new markets or business lines: highly preferred Technical skills

In-depth knowledge of cocoa powder processing Familiarity with chocolate production equipment, including tempering machines, cooling tunnels, depositing lines and temperature-controlled storage systems Ability to interpret product technical specifications and safety data sheets Knowledge of applicable food regulations Strong results orientation and commercial growth mindset Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills Operational autonomy and an entrepreneurial approach to BU management Strong technical problem-solving skills in industrial production environments Ability to work towards objectives while independently managing priorities and schedule Education

Degree in Food Science and Technology, Food Engineering, Industrial Chemistry or related fields Alternatively, a technical or vocational diploma combined with proven high-level industry experience Languages

English: minimum B2 level, required for international customers and suppliers Additional languages such as German or French are considered an advantage WHAT WE OFFER

Founding role: full responsibility for launching the Carrubina plant and building the BU, with the support of Management Competitive compensation package: gross annual salary based on experience Company car for both business and personal use Work equipment, including laptop and smartphone Fast-growing environment with the opportunity to build and lead the BU team Continuous technical training and participation in industry events The position involves significant field-based activity, including customer visits, construction sites and production facilities. The reference office/location will be agreed upon based on the selected candidate’s profile.

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