Junior Sales Manager - CASE in Runcorn

Mission

The role involves managing a specific product portfolio within the market segment to meet principal targets, product gross margin and working capital targets by contributing to and implementing the Business Strategy in the CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers) team at Azelis. This role also provides an excellent development opportunity for graduates and early‑career professionals, as well as those with equivalent experience, offering the chance to build both technical and commercial expertise within the chemical distribution industry, supporting long‑term career progression.

The role supports the business development, sales and supply chain activities of CASE, managing a defined group of new and existing customers to help maintain and further develop sales of the CASE product portfolio. It also ensures timely follow‑ups to sales visits and enquiries such as price quotations, samples and literature, and maintains cost build‑ups and pricing input into AX.

Main Accountabilities

• Build technical knowledge of key Principals, customers and products.
• Maintain the customer portal with assistance from the Marketing Manager EMEA and Sales Managers.
• Form excellent working relationships with the CASE team and supply chain, acting as a conduit for the flow of information between the two functions.
• Maintain D365 data to assist with stock analysis including minimum/maximum stock levels and lead times, and initiate purchasing actions where required.
• Assist in negotiating purchase prices with Principals.
• Constantly review stock levels and assist planners when placing orders for material from Principals.
• Prepare reports and analysis on sales activities resulting in sales/purchase forecasts.
• Analyze customer visit reports from the opportunity pipeline, extracting and communicating key information such as:
• Maintenance of 100 % market data.
• Indication of customer buying patterns so that concerns regarding orders not received can be raised and investigated promptly.
• Increasing or decreasing demands that may affect purchasing levels.
• Project updates, especially when nearing completion and indication of any stock‑holding requirements that may be required.
• Assist with the reduction of slow‑moving stock and impairment.
• Compile information on unexplored opportunities such as:
• New application for existing products.
• New customers for “one customer products”.
• Develop product group strategies for product availability and consolidation of like‑for‑like products.
• Maintain up‑to‑date compliance knowledge for completing customer technical enquiries and minimizing supply‑chain delays.

Key Accountabilities

• Work as part of a team to generate increased sales and margins by maintaining existing and developing new business for the customer in CASE.
• Manage, develop and understand the needs of your defined customer base, involving a mix of telephone‑based sales activity and visits to accounts to maintain, build and manage relationships with key contacts.
• Agree prices and volumes with customers, seeking guidance as needed.
• Monitor and review payment terms for customers, ensuring adherence and keeping business risk to a minimum.
• Set and agree annual sales budgets with the Business Manager.
• Analyze relevant monthly reporting such as sales trends and GM tracker for local customers.
• Support any marketing and communications activities in CASE.
• Provide support for supply‑chain activities in CASE.
• Maintain correct product stock levels to satisfy business and customer demands.
• Provide in‑house technical knowledge of product groups and products.
• Maintain a cooperative and friendly attitude to all users, customers and suppliers.

Graduate Development Opportunity

This role is designed to support early‑career professionals and graduates looking to build a career in technical sales and product management.

You Will Benefit From

• Structured onboarding and training programme.
• Mentorship from experienced Product Managers and Commercial leaders.
• Exposure to product management, sales, supply chain, and supplier management.
• Development of both technical expertise and commercial acumen within the chemical distribution sector.
• Hands‑on experience with CRM systems, customer engagement, and business strategy.
• A clear progression pathway.

Experience, Skills & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence to communicate effectively with customers over the telephone and face‑to‑face.
• Analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Negotiation skills.
• Good presentation skills.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Financial/Commercial awareness.
• Understanding of the importance of timely and effective communication and action.

Azelis is committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experience levels. We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.