Sales Manager Ukraine, CIS & Eastern Europe

Our Story

Our story goes back more than 150 years. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we have 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 people love even better. The oils we produce help make chocolate extra creamy and put the crunch into a croissant. Beyond food, we work across industries to create products that are higher quality, healthier, and better for the planet. Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.

AAK Location

This position is based in Karlshamn, Sweden, with commercial responsibility for Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, UzbekisHetan, Kyrgyzstan, and other selected CIS and Eastern European markets.

You will work closely with customers across the region while collaborating with colleagues in Sales, Customer Innovation, Marketing, Product Management, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality, and Finance to deliver sustainable growth and customer value.

About the Role

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially driven Sales Manager to develop AAK's business across Ukraine, CIS, and Eastern Europe.

You will be responsible for driving profitable growth, developing strategic customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and executing regional Go-to-Market plans aligned with AAK's strategy.

Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders, you will support the successful commercialization of AAK's solutions while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and collaboration across the value chain.

The role combines business development, key account management, market intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong focus on customer co-development and long-term partnerships.

Responsibilities

Commercial Growth

Drive sustainable and profitable growth across Ukraine, CIS, and Eastern Europe.

Develop and execute regional Go-to-Market plans aligned with AAK's commercial strategy and business objectives.

Identify and develop new business opportunities and market segments.

Develop and implement customer growth plans to strengthen existing partnerships and expand business opportunities.

Manage commercial negotiations, pricing, contracts, and profitability in line with business objectives.

Deliver sales targets, forecasts, and pipeline development plans for the region.

Customer Development

Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and industry stakeholders.

Drive customer value through market understanding, innovation, and Customer Co-Development.

Identify customer needs and translate them into commercially viable opportunities.

Lead customer meetings, business reviews, and commercial discussions.

Support customers throughout the sales process, from opportunity development through implementation and launch.

Market & Business Intelligence

Monitor market trends, customer developments, competitive activity, and industry dynamics.

Identify opportunities for business development and market expansion.

Support portfolio development through market insights and customer feedback.

Provide accurate forecasts and business updates to support decision-making and resource planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Act as a key link between customers and AAK's internal organization.

Collaborate closely with Customer Innovation, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Quality, Product Management, Marketing, and Finance to ensure successful customer deliveries and project execution.

Coordinate quotations, specifications, product development activities, and commercial implementation projects.

Ensure compliance with AAK policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.

External Representation

Represent AAK at customer meetings, trade fairs, industry events, and relevant business forums.

Strengthen AAK's market position and brand presence across the region.

About You

We are looking for a commercially driven and customer-focused professional with a passion for business development and creating long-term customer value.

You combine strong commercial capabilities with relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively across cultures and functions.

Qualifications & Experience

Proven experience in Sales, Business Development, or Key Account Management.

Experience working with customers in Ukraine, CIS, and/or Eastern European markets.

Demonstrated success in delivering profitable growth and developing strategic customer relationships.

Experience within food ingredients, edible oils and fats, confectionery, chocolate, bakery, dairy, ice cream, plant-based foods, or related industries is considered an advantage.

Strong commercial understanding, including pricing, forecasting, margins, and profitability.

Experience working in an international and matrix organization.

Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and projects.

Education & Languages

Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, Marketing, or another relevant discipline.

Fluent in English and Russian, both written and spoken.

Additional regional language skills are considered an advantage.

Technical understanding of food applications and ingredients is beneficial.

Travel

Willingness and ability to travel extensively across the region.

Ability to travel internationally as required.

In Return AAK Offers

An exciting commercial role within a growing international company.

The opportunity to contribute to the development of AAK's business across Eastern Europe and CIS.

A collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.

Close collaboration with customers and colleagues across AAK's global organization.

Opportunities for personal and professional development.

A competitive compensation and benefits package in accordance with local terms and conditions.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Sales Director Continental Europe