Salary: 50-70k+ (negotiable on experience); competitive bonus tied to P&L performance; other perks such as dental & health insurance, pension contributions etc. included
Hours: Monday – Friday (09:00-17:00)
Location: Flexible (min. 1 day in-person per week, Leeds/London). Travel across UK and Europe required
Job Title: Technical Sales Manager
Launched in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly expanding start-up in the speciality chemical distribution space. We have quickly gained prominence in the UV-curable raw materials market, including Photoinitiators used in inks, coatings, adhesives, 3D printing and electronics.
Anstar is widely recognised and highly regarded in the industry for exemplifying our core philosophies: trust, transparency, ethical conduct, and unwavering customer-centricity. These values have helped us forge strong partnerships with suppliers and customers who are at the heart of our business.
Anstar has established a strong supplier for bio-sourced raw materials (e.g., Tannic acid, Gallic acid, Propyl Gallate). These chemicals act as antioxidants (among other functions) and are used across a range of industries including food, nutrition, animal feeds etc. To steer and expand this exciting new venture, we seek an accomplished Sales Manager/ Director with a demonstrated aptitude for business development and exceptional managerial prowess.
This role will offer an invigorating blend of challenges, a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to foster an entrepreneurial spirit. You will be responsible for driving a whole new business unit and continuing our company’s upward trajectory.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Drive business development, pursue new opportunities and cultivate strong relationships with potential customers to secure new accounts in the UK and EU
- Develop and nurture a sales team as required and provide effective leadership
- Visit customers, distributors and suppliers as required
- Maintain strong relationships with key customers, understanding their needs, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional customer service
- Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities. Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential growth areas, customer demands, and emerging opportunities
- Track sales performance, analyse key metrics, and prepare regular reports on sales activities and revenue forecasts
- Produce product/ company presentations and present to potential and current customers
- Produce technical presentations with the support of formulation and research teams
- Oversee the financial performance (P&L) of the business unit, monitor expenses, manage budgets, and optimise profitability in line with the company's financial objectives
- Act as a brand ambassador at industry events, trade shows, and conferences, representing the company professionally, networking with key stakeholders, and promoting the company's products and services
- Continuously evaluate and improve sales processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction
Essential requirements for the role:
- You are an experienced Sales Manager/ Director (5+ years) with a proven track record and technical background
- You have an in-depth understanding and have worked in (speciality) chemical industries
- You have some knowledge of the raw materials Gallic acid, Tannic acid, Propyl Gallate etc.
- You know about customers of the above raw materials in the food additives, nutrition and animal feed etc. industries
- You are able to develop and execute strategic sales plans, identify new market opportunities and drive new business and customers
- You have demonstrated exceptional managerial prowess, with the capacity to inspire and motivate others
- You have excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities
- You can produce and present client-ready presentations
- You are educated to a degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline
- You are highly proficient in English, and are comfortable with technical terminology and documentation
- You are proficient working with technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
- You are willing to travel around the UK and in Europe to meet customers when required
- You are willing to travel to the Leeds-based office (minimum) once a week
Advantageous/desirable qualities:
- Experience working with CRMs and ERPs
- Training in management (online/ in-person courses, MBAs etc.)