Head of Sales - EU
Job Title: Head of Chemical Sales - Europe (EU)
Location: Germany or Switzerland
Reporting to: Managing Director
Role Overview
The Head of Chemical Sales - Europe will lead and scale the European commercial organization. This senior leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the EU sales strategy, driving revenue growth, building high‑performing sales teams, and strengthening key customer relationships across priority markets and industries.
The position combines strategic leadership with hands‑on commercial execution and close collaboration with marketing, technical, supply chain, and senior management teams.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Growth
- Develop and execute the EU sales strategy aligned with overall business growth objectives
- Drive revenue, margin, and market share growth across targeted customer segments
- Identify new business opportunities, market gaps, and strategic accounts across Europe
- Contribute to long‑term business planning, sales forecasting, and pricing strategy
Sales Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a pan‑European sales team
- Define clear performance objectives, KPIs, and accountability frameworks
- Recruit and onboard top commercial talent as the organization scales
- Foster a results‑driven, customer‑centric sales culture
Key Account Management
- Personally manage and act as executive sponsor for key strategic accounts
- Lead senior‑level commercial negotiations and long‑term supply agreements
- Strengthen partnerships with major customers through continuous engagement
- Ensure high customer satisfaction, retention, and sustainable growth
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with technical, R&D, operations, and supply chain teams to deliver value‑added solutions
- Partner with marketing on market positioning, product launches, and value propositions
- Provide structured market and customer insights to support portfolio and product development
Market & Industry Leadership
- Monitor European regulatory, competitive, and market developments
- Represent the business at industry events, trade shows, and key customer forums
- Position the organization as a trusted and progressive supplier within the European chemical industry
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience in chemical sales, with significant exposure to European markets
- Proven success leading sales teams across multiple EU countries
- Strong understanding of B2B chemicals sales, distribution models, and contract negotiations
- Track record of managing strategic accounts and complex commercial relationships
Preferred
- Experience in specialty chemicals and/or industrial chemicals
- MBA or other commercial leadership qualification
- Established professional network within European chemical markets
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial execution capability
- Inspirational, hands‑on leader with excellent people management skills
- Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Data‑driven mindset with solid forecasting and analytical skills
- Comfortable operating in fast‑growth or entrepreneurial environments
- Fluent English required; additional European languages highly desirable
FAQs
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