Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA

Our purpose is unlocking the potential of people, nature, and science to nourish the world. We consistently incorporate social and environmental impact into decision making given its importance to the success and profitability of our business. At Kalsec, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment by embracing the wisdom and strengths that diversity brings.

Job Summary: The Vice President and Managing Director is responsible for being a champion for Europe within Kalsec while delivering on the sales and net income goals of the region. This is accomplished by leading and directing the regional team to realize sustainable, profitable growth through market driven strategies and expense optimization. Executive responsibilities include strategy development and implementation plans, leading and continued development of a high performing management team and cultivating existing and new customer and partner relationships in Europe. The scope and complexity of this position is at a high, strategic level. Emphasis should be placed on design and coordination of key initiatives to achieve desired outcomes while empowering direct reports to make appropriate decisions. All aspects of the role should be conducted in a manner consistent with Kalsec’s purpose, vision, and values.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Drive growth of European-generated sales and build towards a sustainable opportunity pipeline. This role works closely with the three Food Business Units of Taste & Sensory Solutions, Natural Colors and Food Protection to develop a winning growth strategy in targeted savory applications e.g., sauces, dressings, and snacks and executes locally on the strategy through a high performing sales team.
2. Collaborate with and support the Global Hops Business Unit Director to enable sales growth in Europe.
3. Oversee and continuously optimize the operations of the Mildenhall UK manufacturing site; the R&D lab in Wageningen and the Distribution center in Wageningen, The Netherlands.
4. This role leads and is responsible for delivering on the P&L in the region by orchestrating direct resources and collaborating with and influencing resources throughout the global organization including sales, marketing, customer experience, business unit leadership, R&D, human resources, manufacturing, procurement, finance, and information services.
5. Lead a cultural change within Kalsec Europe to instill a sense of urgency and a Right to Play and Win given our investment in the region and focus on targeted savory applications and customers.
6. In collaboration with the European Sales Director, improve the quality and the consistency of the Opportunities Pipeline to deliver the growth objectives defined by the Business Plan.
7. Responsible for developing and executing on a 3-year European plan and longer term (10 year) outlook for growth and profitability of the region with the goal of Kalsec being a top 3 player in our specialty spaces where we have a right to play and win.
8. Influence and contribute to Kalsec’s global strategy and ongoing 3-year plans. Develop performance goals for staff and hold them accountable for results.
9. In collaboration with the Vice President of Human Resources, ensure employment law guidance, conditions of employment advice and recruitment strategies, including implementation thereof and adhere to local business laws, regulations, and company policies.
10. In collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, ensure accuracy and integrity of the financial performance of the region and entities, performing financial analyses, budgeting, and P&L oversight of business.
11. Ensure the collection, analysis, and reporting of information regarding market trends, competitive activity, market opportunities, and sales performance in the marketplace.
12. Hire, lead, coach, develop and empower direct reports. Hire top talent where needed and approved to support strategy and operations. Evaluate staffing structure with an emphasis on succession planning and execution for long-term sustainability.
13. Support and validate investment proposals in support of regional business growth, including those that require capital and human resources.
14. Identify acquisition targets or strategic partners and build relationships with targets who can provide leads and other business opportunities.

OTHER DUTIES INCLUDED BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Leading the business development activities to support growth in the Middle East and Africa for this emerging market.
2. Fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position in a fashion that is consistent with Kalsec values.
3. Be aware of the company's Q.A. policy and objectives. To observe these policy provisions and fulfill in all respects the requirements of his/her job. Q.A. procedures as defined shall be strictly observed.
4. Kalsec, Inc. is committed to providing safe products to its customers. This position requires completing annual training: Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, Food Defense and Food Safety. Additional initial training and annual refresher training will be assigned based on job classification. Training is conducted through Kalsec, Inc.’s internal training or using external consultants and on-the-job training in each department.
5. This position is also required to assure all people that report up through this position complete initial and annual training related to food safety.
6. The organizational chart identifies personnel responsible for covering responsibilities in this position's absence.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study and 10+ years of business management, corporate business development or marketing experience.
• Experience with savory food producers and savory food applications.
• Demonstrated experience and successful record of accomplishment in creating market development plans and sales growth modeling.
• Strong interpersonal skills and well-developed negotiation skills.
• Experienced user of MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint.
• Strong presentation skills & executive presence.
• Comfortable with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems such as Salesforce.com and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired:

• MBA or equivalent degree.
• Professional training, previous experience and ongoing education in marketing, sales, organizational development, and strategy preferred.
• Competency with Power BI.
• Active member of a relevant trade association.

Equipment Operation:

• Typical office equipment.

Physical Demands:

Travel to all locations in Europe and UK regularly; lead and attend top-to-top meetings.