How we helped Treatt strengthen their European sales team
Treatt: Building a High-Performing European Sales Team
Overview
Treatt is a global leader in the production and supply of natural extracts, flavours, and ingredients, serving the food & beverage, personal care, and fragrance industries. Renowned for high-quality, innovative solutions, Treatt’s portfolio includes citrus oils, fruit and vegetable extracts, essential oils, botanicals, and natural flavour compounds.
With a strong history of talent retention and internal development, Treatt has consistently nurtured professionals from entry-level roles to senior positions. However, following a significant investment in a new UK manufacturing facility and the departure of a long-standing team member with nearly 10 years’ tenure, Treatt sought to hire two senior sales professionals to drive growth across Europe.
The ideal candidates were expected to bring proven experience, business impact, and mentorship capabilities, helping both Treatt’s expansion plans and the development of junior colleagues. While the company’s HQ is in Bury St Edmunds, UK, the roles were remote-based, with the search focusing on the UK and Central Europe to attract top-tier talent.
Search Requirements
The roles demanded professionals who:
- Had a proven B2B sales track record in the flavour and ingredient industry.
- Possessed strong experience working with leading F&F houses or multinational beverage manufacturers.
- Ideally had experience in citrus ingredients, essential oils, natural extracts, botanicals, and flavours.
- Demonstrated strong account management and business development skills.
- Were a cultural fit for Treatt’s collaborative, innovative environment.
Our Approach
1. Briefing & Stakeholder Engagement
We met with Treatt stakeholders to fully understand role expectations, highlight where candidates would gain relevant experience, and identify companies to avoid during outreach.
2. Regular Updates
Maintained frequent calls to discuss market insights, search progress, and any challenges encountered.
3. Market Mapping
Mapped 115 professionals across the UK and Europe, from competitors and relevant organisations, creating a robust long list of potential candidates.
4. Targeted Engagement
Approached a carefully selected group of prospects with transparency about the role, Treatt’s vision, and the WIIFT (What’s in it for them).
5. Screening & Shortlisting
Presented a shortlist of 10 highly qualified professionals, complete with CVs, video introductions, executive summaries, and behavioural assessments.
6. Interview Coordination
Managed a two-stage interview process, including European travel to the UK, starting with nine professionals, leading to four final face-to-face interviews, and ultimately two successful offers.
7. Offer Management
Handled all negotiations, ensuring alignment between Treatt and the selected candidates for a smooth onboarding process.
Results
Two exceptional professionals joined Treatt’s European team and have embedded seamlessly:
- Deborah Jackson
- Graziella Riant-Dalibard
Candidate Testimonials
“Jamie is an excellent recruiter and communicator. His personable approach puts you at ease and he goes above and beyond to ensure that you are the right fit for the role. He guides you through the process and is always on hand for help and support, giving tips and advice and more importantly staying in touch to ensure you are fully prepared and kept informed throughout the process. I highly recommend Jamie if you are looking for a new role or you are looking to recruit.” – Deborah Jackson
“I really appreciated my discussions with Jamie. He is a talented man, really open-minded and listening. He is dedicated to his mission and never gives up! I had the chance to meet him in person when I joined Treatt, and he showed he is caring, engaged and did a great follow-up too. I am happy we met!” – Graziella Riant-Dalibard
About Paragon Talent
At Paragon Talent, we specialise in connecting flavours, fragrance, and ingredient businesses with top-tier commercial, technical, and leadership talent globally. With over 15 years’ experience, we have successfully delivered recruitment solutions across Europe, the US, and other key markets, helping clients like Treatt build high-performing teams and achieve ambitious growth objectives.
Ready to Expand Your Team?
If your business is looking to scale your commercial team like Treatt, we can help. Our structured, transparent approach ensures the right people are matched with the right roles, even in highly competitive markets.
📩 Contact us today at contact@paragon-talent.com to start the conversation.
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FAQ Section
Q: What makes Paragon Talent different from other recruitment firms?
A: We specialise exclusively in the flavours, fragrance, and ingredient sectors, combining deep industry knowledge, extensive networks, and a personalised, transparent approach to match the right talent with the right role.
Q: How quickly can Paragon Talent fill senior roles?
A: While every search depends on market conditions, we have a proven track record of delivering high-calibre candidates within weeks to a few months, even in competitive markets.
Q: Do you only recruit in the UK?
A: No. While we have strong expertise in the UK, our network spans Europe, the US, and other key global markets, allowing us to source talent wherever the best fit is located.
Q: Can Paragon Talent support both commercial and technical roles?
A: Yes. We help clients across commercial, technical, and leadership positions, from sales managers and VPs to flavourists, scientists, and R&D leaders.
Q: How does Paragon ensure cultural fit?
A: We invest time upfront with clients to understand company culture, team dynamics, and leadership style, ensuring candidates are not only technically qualified but also a strong cultural match.