Technical Sales Associate/ Manager in Leeds

Salary: £30-70k+ (base, depending on experience), plus performance & commission-based bonuses

Location: Leeds, Travel across UK & EU required

Reports to: Technical Sales Manager/ Managing Director

About Anstar:

Founded in 2018, Anstar is a dynamic, rapidly growing speciality chemicals distributor. With deep cultural and commercial expertise, we serve as a trusted bridge between Eastern manufacturers and global markets. We have quickly established ourselves as leaders in the UV-curing sector, achieving significant market share in Photoinitiators. Our agile, lean structure prioritises transparency, openness, and a customer-first approach, driven by ambitious, high-potential individuals. Backed by a robust global supply chain, European warehousing, and local support, Anstar provides high-quality chemical products with unmatched efficiency. We continually build on our core strengths and explore new market opportunities aligned with our expertise.

Highlights:

• We are committed to sustainable business practices, including the supply of bio-sourced raw materials, aiming for long-term success while minimising environmental impact.
• Technical excellence is a priority; all our sales personnel possess a strong technical (Chemistry) background, enabling us to offer full-breadth service.
• We embrace a 'Technology First' approach, utilising cutting-edge software and automation to drive efficiency and scalable growth.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an ambitious, technically strong individual with a background in Chemistry or a related field, sharp commercial acumen and strong critical thinking skills to support and drive Anstar's growth. You will help develop our global UV-curing business unit, with the option to contribute to our emerging ventures in Nutraceuticals (food, animal feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals). Depending on your experience, you will either grow into or already operate as a key commercial lead: nurturing existing customer relationships, driving new business and playing a pivotal role in shaping and expanding a high-growth business unit. We are particularly looking for someone who is technically sharp, energetic and hard-working, with the desire to grow their responsibilities and impact as the business scales.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support Anstar with its strategy to develop both our UV-curing and the new Nutraceuticals business units.
• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities, cultivate relationships with potential clients and negotiate contracts to secure new accounts globally.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers, understanding their technical and commercial needs, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional 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 against targets, analyse key metrics, and prepare regular reports and forecasts.
• Produce company presentations and present to potential and current customers.
• 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:

• A degree (BSc/MSc) in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline from a reputable university, with strong technical proficiency.
• At least one year of sales experience.
• Strong and demonstrable business acumen.
• Ability to conduct market analysis and contribute to sales planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities.
• Proficient in creating and delivering client-ready presentations.
• You are able to work independently under remote management (e.g., WFH).
• Highly proficient with standard business technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams).
• Willingness to travel globally when required and to travel to our Leeds head office on a regular/semi-regular basis depending on home location.

Advantageous/desirable section:

• Direct experience in B2B technical sales, with a proven track record and technical background in (speciality) chemical industries.
• Understanding of UV-curable technology, key raw materials (e.g. Photoinitiators, Monomers, Oligomers) and downstream applications (coatings, inks, paints, adhesives etc.).
• PhD in Chemistry.

The interview process will consist of an initial phone call, followed by 2-3 interview rounds.

Equal Opportunity: Anstar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Website: www.anstar.com

HQ: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW, UK

Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes

We look forward to welcoming talented individuals into our dynamic team.