About the position
GEA Bakery, part of GEA, is a leading supplier of advanced baking equipment and integrated production lines. Based on over 100 years of industry experience, we deliver solutions covering dough preparation, forming, baking, cooling and packaging to industrial bakeries.
Your responsibilities and tasks
- Drive sales growth and customer value as Sales Manager UKIE – Bakery across a defined region.
- Build and manage a robust opportunity pipeline, qualifying high‑potential leads and guiding customers through the buying journey.
- Develop and execute regional business plans to achieve order intake and profitability targets.
- Map and manage the full customer journey from early awareness to after‑sales support.
- Use CRM tools for lead capture, opportunity qualification, forecasting and deal closure.
- Deliver technical and sales presentations in collaboration with BU teams.
- Collaborate with marketing, technical teams and regional offices on route‑to‑market action plans.
- Improve gross margin through strategic pricing, value‑based selling and technical differentiation.
- Support product and application development projects with customer insights.
- Coordinate internally with technical, project management and product teams for seamless handover and execution.
- Participate in contract negotiations, pricing, terms and conditions.
- Use customer feedback to drive innovation and product development.
- Conduct market research and analysis of market pricing and expectations.
- Act as the link between the country and the BU, championing needs collaboratively.
- Engage in brand awareness activities, networking, and trade shows.
Your profile and qualifications
- Degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical), Food Science, Business or equivalent.
- At least 10 years’ experience in international B2B sales, preferably in food processing plants, machinery or industrial automation.
- Experience selling custom‑engineered equipment and integrated process lines.
- Strong application and process knowledge, capable of handling complex technical sales and multi‑stakeholder engagements.
- Proven ability to build and manage a sales pipeline and convert prospects into long‑term customers.
- Deep understanding of customer buying behaviour across the customer journey.
- Strategic thinker with solid business acumen, negotiation skills and go‑to‑market strategy experience.
- Demonstrated ability to manage agent networks, key accounts and internal cross‑functional teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; works well in teams and independently.
- Willingness to travel 60‑80% of the time to visit customers and trade shows.
About GEA
GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry, employing over 18,000 people in more than 60 countries. We offer challenging tasks, a positive working environment and opportunities for personal development in a global company.
GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, colour, 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.
Sales Manager - UKIE - Bakery in Milton Keynes employer: GEA Group
GEA Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Belfast. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in the dairy farming sector. The hybrid working model provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to meaningful projects that make a difference.
