Account Executive, Sales Development

Account Executive, Sales Development

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global accounts and drive sales strategies in the chemical industry.
  • Company: Join Vantage, a leader in sustainable solutions with a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with international travel and a focus on collaboration and excellence.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by managing top global accounts and developing innovative commercial models.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5-8 years of experience in sales or account management.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

As a cornerstone of Vantage’s customer-first strategy, the Global Account Manager for Intermediates is responsible for the commercial leadership and development of Vantage’s largest global intermediary accounts across EMEA, APAC, and North America. This role focuses on managing and growing the Top Global Key Accounts, covering high-volume anionic surfactants serving multiple end markets.

This is a key role within the global sales organization for both Personal Care and Performance Solutions business, requiring strong commercial judgment, deep customer engagement, and the ability to operate effectively in commodity and semi-commodity market environments.

  • Create, manage, and deliver sales, gross margin, and profitability targets for assigned global key accounts, in line with business and account strategies.
  • Own and execute global account strategies for Top 10 Intermediates customers across EMEA, APAC, and North America.
  • Develop and manage long-term contracts, framework agreements, and pricing structures aligned with market and feedstock dynamics.
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular engagement at multiple organizational levels to support long-term partnerships.
  • Identify and develop new business opportunities and commercial models, including partnerships with customers, producers, and suppliers.
  • Monitor and assess market trends, competitive activity, and pricing dynamics within commodity and semi-commodity environments, providing relevant commercial intelligence.
  • Resolve commercial, contractual, or supply-related issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders to maintain customer trust.
  • Prepare forecasts and strategic account reviews and presentations related to current and new business activity.
  • Support accounting and customer service teams in collection activities and financial governance.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive commercial excellence and alignment across the organization.
  • Ensure alignment of global key account development with the Leuna manufacturing asset and portfolio strategy.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, business, or a related field.
  • ~5-8+ years of experience in sales, key account management, or commercial roles within the chemical industry, preferably in intermediates, surfactants, or commodity/semi-commodity markets.
  • Proven experience managing large global accounts with significant revenue responsibility.
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken). Additional languages are a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of principles and methods for selling, negotiating, and managing high-volume chemical products.
  • Ability to research, understand, and develop global key accounts in complex market environments.
  • Professional and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with customers, internal teams, and senior management.
  • Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple global priorities.
  • High level of commercial and financial acumen, including comfort working with revenue, margins, and profitability.
  • Ability to apply analytical and logical thinking to commercial and market challenges.
  • Willingness and ability to travel 50% or more of the time, including international travel.

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement.

Account Executive, Sales Development employer: Vantage Specialty Chemicals

Vantage is an exceptional employer that prioritises a customer-first strategy while fostering a culture of recognition and development. With opportunities for professional growth and the flexibility of remote work across Europe, employees are empowered to drive their unique ideas to completion, all while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to delivering outstanding results in the chemical industry.

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Contact Details:

Vantage Specialty Chemicals Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Account Executive, Sales Development

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Vantage on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really value in candidates.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Vantage’s key accounts and recent market trends. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but that we understand the business landscape too!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with managing global accounts and driving profitability. We need to demonstrate our commercial acumen and ability to build strong customer relationships.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us top of mind and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit for Vantage.

We think you need these skills to ace Account Executive, Sales Development

Commercial Judgment
Customer Engagement
Account Management
Sales Strategy Development
Contract Management
Pricing Strategy
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Account Executive role. Highlight your experience in managing global accounts and any relevant achievements in sales or key account management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the chemical industry and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Vantage. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of market dynamics!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role requires strong communication, ensure your written application is clear and professional. Use concise language and structure your thoughts logically to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Specialty Chemicals

Know Your Market

Before the interview, dive deep into the chemical industry, especially focusing on intermediates and surfactants. Understand current market trends, pricing dynamics, and key competitors. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared.

Showcase Your Relationship Skills

Since this role involves building strong customer relationships, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients in the past. Highlight your ability to manage long-term contracts and resolve issues collaboratively, as these are crucial for maintaining trust and partnerships.

Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Prepare to discuss your experience with sales targets, gross margins, and profitability. Bring specific examples of how you've contributed to revenue growth in previous roles. This will help illustrate your understanding of financial metrics and your capability to drive commercial success.

Practice Effective Communication

Given the importance of communication in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss complex topics in a straightforward manner, as you'll need to engage with various stakeholders at different levels within the organisation.