At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the sales strategy for Pharma & Food Applications in the UK & Ireland.
- Company: Join GEA, a global leader in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to drive sustainable growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a strategic role with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
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.
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.
Responsibilities / Tasks- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications in Milton Keynes employer: GEA
GEA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds where innovation meets sustainability. As a Field Service Engineer, you'll benefit from strong career progression opportunities within a supportive team, while working on cutting-edge refrigeration technology that enhances efficiency in the food and beverage sectors. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, GEA fosters a culture of excellence and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications in Milton Keynes
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications at GEA, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including GEA. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for GEA:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for GEA. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at GEA
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show GEA that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show GEA that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with GEA’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
