Regional Sales Manager - APAC (UK based) in Stretford

This is a UK-based role, ideally based at our Wallasey or Trafford Park sites to support in-person team collaboration. Candidates based elsewhere in the UK will be considered; however, the role requires extensive international travel and regular on-site attendance, with a minimum of one day per week working from either site.

About Holiferm: Holiferm is leading a major shift in the $42 billion surfactant market—moving the industry away from fossil fuel–based chemicals and towards biodegradable, sustainable biosurfactants. Our patented fermentation and gravity separation technology enables commercially scalable, competitively priced biosurfactants that make real sustainability possible. While Holiferm may not be a household name, the brands we supply certainly are—from established global names to fast-growing, future-focused innovators. As demand for sustainable ingredients accelerates, we’re scaling quickly, expanding our technology, and shaping the industry from the inside out. It’s an exciting time to join us and drive the next wave of growth. You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative and inclusive environment with the autonomy, support and platform to innovate, grow and make a real impact.

The Opportunity: As Regional Sales Manager for APAC, you will develop and maintain customer relationships across the region, champion Holiferm’s customer-first ethos, and unlock growth in the chemicals and FMCG markets. Based in the UK, you will act as the primary commercial lead for APAC, combining regional expertise, strategic deal-making and relationship-led selling to build a scalable sales operation across direct customers, future local sales managers and distribution partners. Working closely with EMEA and AMER counterparts, you will report to the Sales Team Lead and provide input to SLT and Board discussions on performance, forecasting and regional progress.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Executing the APAC sales strategy, focusing on strategic deal closure and proactive business development in chemicals and FMCG.
• Identifying and developing relationships with key market players, leading complex, high-value negotiations.
• Building and managing a network of distribution partners, providing clear direction and performance oversight.
• Supporting onboarding and development of future local sales managers as the region grows.
• Overseeing APAC stock levels, working with manufacturing and supply chain to ensure availability and fulfilment.
• Owning regional performance, including forecasting, CRM and pipeline management, and reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinating with AMER and EMEA to align global strategy and share market intelligence.
• Capturing and communicating customer insights and market drivers to support commercially led product development.
• Travelling ~50% of the time, working flexibly across APAC time zones.

About You: You’re an experienced, commercially driven sales leader with a strong track record across APAC. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and are confident operating as a regional commercial lead in fast-paced, scaling environments.

Technical & Commercial Expertise:

• Experience in consultative and technical sales within chemicals, FMCG or adjacent sectors.
• Proven track record of closing complex, multi-stakeholder, high-value deals.
• Strong experience operating within APAC, with established networks.
• Knowledge of supply chain, customer service and inventory management.
• Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, forecasting and performance analytics.
• Excellent communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated experience taking products from concept to global customer.

Leadership & Interpersonal Effectiveness:

• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capability.
• Influential communicator across cultures, geographies and seniority levels.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity.
• High ownership mindset with the ability to operate autonomously.
• Collaborative, team-oriented and globally minded.

Desirable:

• Experience in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Technical or scientific background.
• Experience with biobased products and/or surfactants.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership or Board-level stakeholders.

How You’ll Be Rewarded: We believe great work should feel genuinely rewarding: Competitive salary (based on experience) plus commission. Strong benefits package including 7.5% pension, income protection, life assurance (4x salary), and health, dental and mental health support. Share options so you grow with us. Flexible, hybrid working. Electric & hybrid car scheme and discount platform. Regular team events and socials. Additional everyday perks.

Our Culture: At Holiferm, openness, wellbeing and teamwork aren’t just words—they shape how we work every day. People support each other, share knowledge and celebrate success together. Leaders are approachable, feedback is valued, and everyone is encouraged to thrive.

Diversity, Inclusion & Fair Opportunities: Holiferm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and equitable workplace. If you need any adjustments during the process, just let us know we’re here to support you.