Sales Manager UK - EFT (Extruded Food Technologies) in Milton Keynes

We are looking for a strategic and proactive Sales Manager UK - EFT to drive sales growth and customer value across a defined region. This role is essential in building and managing a strong opportunity pipeline, qualifying high-potential leads, and guiding customers throughout their buying journey—from awareness to solution implementation and long-term satisfaction. (This is a UK-wide role and can be based anywhere in the country)

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional business plans to achieve order intake and profitability targets.
• Map and manage the full customer journey—from early awareness and solution exploration to purchasing decision and after-sales support.
• Use CRM tools to manage the full sales process: from lead capture and opportunity qualification to forecasting and deal closure.
• Proactively build and manage a robust sales pipeline through structured prospecting, market intelligence, and early engagement with potential customers.
• Develop and deliver technical and sales presentations in collaboration with BU teams, ensuring a unified, one-team approach.
• Work closely with marketing, technical teams and GEA regional offices to implement route-to-market action plans.
• Improve gross margin development through strategic pricing, value-based selling, and technical differentiation.
• Support application and product development projects by sharing customer insights and market trends.
• Coordinate internally with technical, project management, and product teams to ensure seamless handover and execution.
• Collaborate with Business Unit during contract negotiations including terms and conditions and pricing.
• Utilise customer feedback to drive innovation and process/product development with the relevant administration/engineering function.
• Conduct market research and analysis as well as collate information regarding market pricing and expectations.
• Act as link between country and BU, championing the needs of both in a cohesive and collaborative way.
• Work with marketing teams to develop brand awareness opportunities, networking within the industry and participating at trade shows.

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical or Mechanical), Food Science, Business or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in international B2B sales, preferably in food processing plants, food machinery, or industrial automation.
• Experience in selling custom engineered equipment and integrated process lines to the EFT industry.
• Some prior knowledge of one or more of the following application areas would be beneficial: Pasta Lines, Pet Food Lines, Snack Pellet Lines, Breakfast Cereal Lines.
• Strong application and process knowledge, with the ability to handle complex technical sales situations and multi-stakeholder engagements.
• Proven ability to build and manage a sales pipeline, qualify leads effectively, and convert prospects into long-term customers.
• Deep understanding of customer buying behaviour and ability to tailor approaches across various stages of the customer journey.
• Strategic thinker with solid business acumen, negotiation skills, and experience in developing and executing go-to-market strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage agent networks, key accounts, and internal cross-functional teams.
• Good interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently as required.
• Must be willing/able to travel to visit customers, potential clients, tradeshows and industry functions require approximately 60-80% travel.