At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales for specialty chemicals across Europe, driving growth and managing distributors.
- Company: Join a global leader in advanced carbon materials and specialty chemicals focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and competitive salary based on location.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing company with a family-run feel and significant investment backing.
- Qualifications: Technical background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering; proven sales experience in relevant industries.
- Other info: Frequent travel across Europe is required; fluency in English is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About Our Client
A global leader in the production of advanced carbon materials and specialty chemicals, committed to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance solutions. Backed by significant investment and the development of the world\’s largest single-site, this is an exciting time to join a fast-growing business with a global outlook and a family-run feel.
Job Description
Regional Sales Manager – Europe
Central/Western Europe – (Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, UK, Scandinavia)
We are looking for an experienced, pioneering, and flexible Regional Sales Manager to lead the Specialty Chemicals – Non-Rubber division across Europe. This role will be responsible for driving growth through direct sales and channel management, working across a portfolio of products used in plastics, coatings, inks, and battery electrodes, among others.
This is a high-impact, hands-on role offering full autonomy and business ownership. You\’ll work closely with our global HQ and regional counterparts to build sustainable growth in key European markets.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and run a regional sales success for non-rubber specialty chemicals across key European territories.
- Drive new business development through both direct engagement and distribution channels.
- Appoint, manage, and when necessary, exit distributors to ensure optimal market coverage and performance.
- Build and manage a strong pipeline of opportunities in line with long sales cycles (up to 24 months).
- Engage customers through consultative, technical sales methods; regularly visit clients and industry contacts.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product, operations, and HQ teams to align goals and deliver on targets.
- Maintain strong market intelligence and identify barriers to entry; position the company competitively across the region.
- Take ownership of all tasks necessary to achieve success, including those beyond a typical sales remit.
The Successful Applicant
The Regional Sales Manager will have:
- Technical background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering – ideally having started in a lab or technical role before transitioning to sales.
- Demonstrated success in a similar regional role with autonomous decision-making and end-to-end accountability.
- Experience selling into or working with customers in plastics, inks, coatings, or battery materials is highly desirable.
- Proven ability in channel development, including recruiting, training, and managing distributors.
- Entrepreneurial mindset – proactive, hands-on, creative, and resilient in overcoming market barriers.
- Ability to thrive in a flat, fast-paced structure with limited hierarchy and broad responsibility.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across cultures and functions.
- Fluent in English; additional European languages are a plus.
- Willingness to travel frequently across Europe.
What\’s on Offer
Remote based role –
Salary is dependent on location as this varies considerably.
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Regional Sales Manager employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in specialty chemicals and advanced carbon materials. Understanding the market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who have experience in sales roles within the chemicals sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in channel development and managing distributors. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built strong relationships in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial mindset by thinking of innovative strategies that could benefit the company. Presenting fresh ideas during your discussions can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sales, particularly in the specialty chemicals or related industries. Emphasise your technical background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and any previous roles that demonstrate your ability to manage distributors and drive business growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your entrepreneurial mindset and how your hands-on approach has led to success in previous positions. Mention specific examples of how you've developed sales strategies or managed distributor relationships.
Showcase Your Market Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the European market for specialty chemicals. Include insights on current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. This will show your potential employer that you are proactive and well-informed.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills, provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients and cross-functional teams in the past. Mention any experience you have working across cultures, especially if you speak additional European languages.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Showcase Your Technical Background
Make sure to highlight your technical expertise in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Discuss how your lab experience has shaped your understanding of the products you'll be selling, as this will demonstrate your credibility and ability to engage with clients on a technical level.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in regional sales roles. Be ready to discuss how you've driven growth, managed distributors, and built strong pipelines, as these are crucial aspects of the role you're applying for.
✨Emphasise Your Entrepreneurial Mindset
The company values a proactive and creative approach. Share instances where you've overcome market barriers or taken initiative in your previous roles. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment with broad responsibilities.
✨Cultural Fit and Communication Skills
Since the role involves working across various European markets, highlight your communication skills and ability to build relationships across cultures. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.