Business Developer West Africa - Ivory Coast - VIE Contract (2 years)

Company Description

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

• Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.
• In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in more than 50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3 billion euros.

Job Description

By joining us, you’ll step into a fast-growing African market, take on real responsibilities, and help us bring our solutions to new customers across West Africa.

Why Abidjan? Abidjan, the dynamic economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, offers a pleasant living environment with its tropical climate 🌴 and modernity. A rapidly expanding cosmopolitan city, it attracts many businesses 🏢 and is home to a large French community. The working atmosphere is friendly and demanding, encouraging intercultural exchange 🌍. The VIE in Côte d'Ivoire allows you to live a stimulating professional experience in a French-speaking environment full of opportunities 💼.

It’s the perfect place to boost your career AND live a unique adventure ✨.
 

• 🚀 Your Mission
• As a Business Developer V.I.E, you’ll be the bridge between our solutions and the West African market. Your responsibilities will include:

🔎 Market Intelligence

• Analyze competitors & distribution networks
• Monitor local regulations, economics & politics
• Evaluate market opportunities & propose segmentation

🤝 Commercial Development

• Regularly visit clients, distributors & partners
• Train and support distributors’ sales forces
• Build action plans for each distributor and ensure strong market coverage
• Handle customer claims & risk management

📈 Prospection & Growth

• Identify & secure new clients and distributors
• Expand our product portfolio in the region
• Monitor industrial bakery openings and attend trade shows

📦 Supply & Operations

• Align sales forecasts, distributor stocks, and supply chain
• Coordinate with customer service & production for smooth flows

Frequent travels across the region are expected ✈️

Qualifications

👀 Who we’re looking for :

🎓 Master’s degree in Business, Engineering or Management
📈 First hands-on experience in sales, distribution, or business development
💬 Fluent in French and English
🌍 Strong interest in West African politics & economics
💡 Skills: negotiation, networking, autonomy, adaptability
🔥 Attitude: curious, challenger, results-driven, team player

Additional Information

📅 Mission details
📍 Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
⏳ Duration: 24 months
🚀 Start: Q1 2026
🧪 Recruitment process:
1️⃣ CV Screening 2️⃣ Three interviews (local + HQ) 3️⃣ 🎉 Job offer
🎯 Goal: To offer you a long-term career after your V.I.E — in Africa, France or worldwide 🌎.

🎟️ V.I.E – Eligibility
✅ Age: 18–28 years old
✅ Citizenship: EU or EEA country
✅ Never completed a V.I.E before
ℹ️ More info 👉 mon-vie-via.businessfrance.fr

💡 Perks: 1 return flight home per year ✈️ + allowance 💸 + full support from Lesaffre teams.

• 🌟 Ready for your next adventure?
• If you’re ambitious, curious, and eager to grow in an international environment, this V.I.E is for you. Come shape the future of nutrition & fermentation with us in West Africa 🌍.

[Diversity & Inclusion]: At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.