At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and develop relationships across the UK and Ireland in the plastics industry.
- Company: Join Arla Plast Group, a leading European manufacturer of innovative plastic solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for self-starters who thrive in independent roles with strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making an impact in the sustainable materials market.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience in plastics or engineered materials is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Technical Sales Manager – UK & Ireland
Location: Remote, anywhere in the UK or Ireland Territory: United Kingdom and Ireland Reporting to: European Sales Director / Commercial Director Company: Arla Plast Group
Job ref: AZ/64581
The Opportunity
Arla Plast Group is a leading European manufacturer and supplier of extruded semi-finished plastic sheets, supplying customers across more than 50 countries.
The Group manufactures technical plastic sheet products in polycarbonate (PC), ABS, PETG and PMMA, serving a diverse range of industrial, commercial and specialist applications.
We are seeking an experienced Technical Sales Manager / Business Development Manager to take responsibility for developing and growing Arla Plast's business across the UK and Ireland.
The individual will be responsible for protecting and developing existing business, while reactivating old and identifying new customers, applications and market opportunities.
The role will involve selling through distributors as well as developing direct relationships with converters, thermoformers, fabricators, OEMs and end users.
Supported by the Group's commercial, technical, customer service, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, the appointed person will have full ownership of the strategic direction of the Uk & Ireland business.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
- Take full commercial responsibility for the UK and Ireland sales territory.
- Develop and implement a structured sales strategy to achieve agreed revenue, margin and growth targets.
- Manage and grow existing customer accounts while actively re approaching and developing new business.
- Identify new customers, applications and market sectors for Arla Plast's product portfolio.
- Develop relationships at multiple levels within customer organisations, from purchasing and sales through to technical, engineering, production and senior management.
- Generate new business through proactive prospecting, customer visits, networking, referrals and market intelligence.
- Develop opportunities from initial enquiry through technical evaluation, sampling, trials, quotation, negotiation and commercial agreement.
- Increase Arla Plast's share of wallet within existing accounts.
- Identify opportunities to replace competing materials or suppliers with Arla Plast products.
- Develop project-based sales opportunities where Arla Plast sheet can be specified into new products or applications.
- Maintain a healthy and measurable sales pipeline and provide accurate sales forecasts.
Distributor Management
- Develop and manage relationships with key UK and Irish distributors and stockists.
- Work with distributors to increase sales of Arla Plast products rather than simply processing orders.
- Identify gaps in distributor product portfolios and introduce appropriate Arla Plast products.
- Support distributors with product training, technical information, application knowledge and sales tools.
- Jointly develop target-account plans with distributors.
- Monitor competitor activity, pricing, availability and product positioning.
- Ensure distributors understand the breadth of the Arla Plast portfolio and identify opportunities to introduce additional materials and grades.
- Direct Customers & End Users
Technical Sales
- Understand the characteristics, benefits and limitations of PC, ABS, PETG and PMMA.
- Recommend appropriate materials based on application requirements.
- Understand the principles of thermoforming, vacuum forming, fabrication, machining, cutting, bending and other downstream processing techniques.
- Work with customers to identify material-selection opportunities.
- Support customers during product trials and qualification processes.
- Liaise with Arla Plast's technical and manufacturing teams when customer requirements require bespoke solutions.
- Translate customer technical requirements into commercially viable product solutions.
- Support customers in developing new applications for Arla Plast materials.
Market Development
- Develop a detailed understanding of the UK and Irish market for semi-finished thermoplastic sheet.
- Identify emerging applications and growth sectors.
- Monitor competitor products, pricing, capacity, lead times and market positioning.
- Identify opportunities arising from material substitution, sustainability requirements, legislation and changes in manufacturing processes.
- Build and maintain a target-account database.
- Identify high-potential prospects and develop structured approaches to convert them into customers.
- Provide market intelligence to Arla Plast's European commercial and product-management teams.
Candidate Profile
- Commercially strong, technically credible sales professional who can operate independently across the UK and Ireland.
- Proven B2B sales experience, selling semi-finished plastics, plastic sheet, polymers or technically engineered materials into industrial customers.
- Experience selling to industrial customers rather than purely transactional/commodity sales.
- Demonstrable success in new business development and account growth.
- Experience managing a geographically dispersed customer base.
- Experience selling through distributors, stockists or channel partners.
- Experience of managing a sales territory with responsibility for revenue and margin.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the UK and Ireland.
Education
- Commercial track record and relevant industry experience will be considered more important than academic qualifications.
- The candidate does not need to be a polymer scientist or plastics engineer, but must have sufficient technical understanding to sell on application and value.
- Training and mentoring will be provided
The role would suit those that work well independently and demonstrate the ability to make key strategic decisions.
For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove? · Five Decades of Market Intelligence · Unrivalled Industry Networks · Recognised International brand · HR Qualified Professionals
To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.
Throughout 2025, you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Packaging Innovations, JEC World, European Coatings Show, Kunststoffenbeurs, K2025, Plastics Live Ireland
Performance through People.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: (phone number removed)
Technical Sales Manager - UK & Ireland employer: Listgrove
Listgrove Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the plastics and chemicals sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the company provides ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while maintaining a supportive culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Located in the UK, Listgrove's established reputation and extensive industry networks make it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Sales Manager - UK & Ireland
✨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 Technical Sales Manager - UK & Ireland at Listgrove, 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 Listgrove. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Technical Sales Manager - UK & Ireland. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Sales Manager - UK & Ireland
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 Listgrove:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Listgrove. 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 Listgrove
✨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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove’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.
