Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications

GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Your responsibilities and tasks:

• The Sales Director for UK & Ireland (Pharma & Food Applications) is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the commercial strategy of the PFA business.
• This is not solely a sales execution role; it is a strategic appointment that will contribute to the long term growth, stability, and profitability of the UK & Ireland entity.
• Working closely with the Managing Director and the wider leadership team, the Sales Director will develop and execute a sustainable market strategy, lead high value and complex sales engagements, and build a high performing sales organisation.

Success in this role requires resilience, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organisation while maintaining strong governance and disciplined sales processes.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives and market opportunities across the UK & Ireland.
• Partner with the senior leadership team to set annual revenue targets, sales forecasts, and growth initiatives.
• Analyse market trends, competitive dynamics, and customer needs to identify new business opportunities.
• Lead go to market strategies for new products, services, and market segments.
• Contribute to the broader strategic direction of the business beyond sales activity.

Complex Sales & Commercial Excellence

• Lead and oversee complex, high value capital equipment and solution based sales processes.
• Clearly articulate the customer value proposition and align it with GEA’s value creation objectives.
• Define and manage clear terms of engagement, including rigorous assessment of deal viability, risk, and mutual benefit.
• Balance commercial ambition with appropriate governance to protect the business while enabling winning outcomes.
• Champion disciplined sales processes supported by strong project management and service collaboration.
• Build, lead, and inspire a high performing sales organisation.
• Recruit, develop, and retain senior sales talent and future leaders.
• Coach and mentor sales managers and individual contributors to elevate performance.
• Establish performance management frameworks, development plans, and succession strategies.
• Design and implement sales structures, territories, quotas, and compensation plans that drive growth.
• Establish and continuously improve sales processes, methodologies, and best practices.
• Lead effective use of CRM systems, sales tools, and performance dashboards.
• Own sales forecasting, pipeline management, and budgeting processes.
• Manage and grow an annual sales budget in excess of £25m.
• Define and monitor performance metrics, using insight and data to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead deal governance processes including reviews, approvals, and risk assessment.

Leadership & Ways of Working

• Operate effectively in a complex, matrixed, and demanding business environment.
• Demonstrate resilience and composure under pressure, viewing internal challenges as opportunities for alignment and improvement.
• Communicate with clarity and influence across functions to gain buy in for strategy and execution.
• Use diplomacy and professional judgement to challenge constructively when required.
• Strong belief that disciplined process, deep customer understanding, and cross functional collaboration are critical to sustainable success.

Your profile and qualifications:

• Degree or equivalent further education in an engineering and/or business discipline.
• Formal sales training delivered by a reputable provider.
• 5–10 years of progressive sales experience, including at least 5 years in senior sales leadership roles.
• Proven track record of leading sales teams of 10+ people and delivering annual revenues exceeding £20m.
• Strong background in B2B solution selling and complex sales environments.
• Demonstrated ability to build and scale a sales organisation to deliver growth.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Experience in a global, fast moving capital equipment manufacturing environment.
• Food industry experience preferred.

GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company. GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.