Technical Sales Manager in Leeds

Salary: £50-75k+ (base, depending on experience), plus performance-based bonus + share options (reward long-term performance and contribution to business growth).

Location: United Kingdom (Remote); Leeds or London (Hybrid), Travel across UK & EMEA required.

Reports to: Managing Director.

About Anstar: Founded in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly growing speciality chemicals distributor headquartered in Leeds, UK. We act as a commercial and technical bridge between Eastern manufacturers and global markets. We are market leaders in UV-curing materials (particularly photoinitiators) and are now expanding into nutraceutical, food, and speciality ingredients, leveraging our supply chain strength and technical expertise. Our culture is lean, ambitious, and execution-focused — combining startup agility with deep technical credibility.

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 have established a strong supplier of speciality materials used across food, animal feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These chemicals include Propyl Gallate, Tannic acid, Gallic acid and other antioxidants, supplements and additives. To steer and expand this exciting new venture, we seek an accomplished and ambitious individual with a demonstrated aptitude for business development, strong chemistry background, sharp commercial acumen and adept critical thinking abilities. 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 new business unit and continuing our company’s upward trajectory.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Drive business development and growth of the new speciality raw materials business unit.
• Develop and nurture a sales team as required and provide effective leadership, setting clear goals, providing guidance and support, and fostering a high-performance culture.
• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities, cultivate relationships with potential clients, and negotiate contracts to secure new accounts in the UK and EU.
• 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.
• Visit customers, distributors and suppliers as required.

Essential requirements for the role:

• Experience in food/nutraceutical/ingredient markets (minimum 3+ years).
• Ability to remain hands-on in business development (not overly senior/purely strategic).
• Understanding of raw materials and ingredient applications.
• Proven experience (3-5+ years) in B2B technical sales, with a proven track record and technical background in (speciality) chemical industries.
• A strong background in Chemistry (e.g., BSc/MSc degree, 1st or 2:1 equivalent from a reputable university) with technical proficiency.
• Ability to conduct market analysis and contribute to sales planning.
• You have demonstrated exceptional managerial prowess, with the capacity to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities.
• You are able to work independently under remote management (e.g., WFH).
• Proficient in creating and delivering client-ready presentations.
• Experience using CRM and ERP software.
• Highly proficient with standard business technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams).
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel across UK and EMEA when required.

Advantageous/desirable section:

• 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.