Sales Manager Europe (specialty chemicals)

The organisation

Our client is a leading manufacturer of chemical specialties with a portfolio of over 200 products, including foam control agents, high-performance lubricants, surface coatings, release agents, silicone emulsions, and innovative niche solutions. With more than 30 years of industry experience, they supply customers worldwide, providing both off-the-shelf products and bespoke solutions tailored to specific requirements.

The position

Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the Sales Manager will focus on retaining and expanding an existing customer base, managing key accounts, and developing new business across the UK and European markets. This is a demanding role that requires regular travel, so the successful candidate must be a proactive self-starter with resilience, a strong commercial mindset, and the drive to positively shape customer perception.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Manage and grow existing accounts through upselling, cross-selling, and increasing share-of-wallet, while developing new accounts via appropriate routes-to-market.
• Identify and propose new business opportunities and emerging markets aligned with core product strengths.
• Create and deliver a strategic sales plan to expand the customer base and market presence across the UK and Europe.
• Maintain strong awareness of competitor activity, products, pricing, and market trends.
• Represent the business at industry-specific events, staying up to date with key market and industry developments.
• Contribute to annual budgeting, marketing strategies, and broader business planning.
• Manage the sales pipeline to drive new opportunities and achieve agreed objectives.
• Build and maintain long-term customer relationships.

Candidate profile

• You will have an educational background in chemistry or a related technical/scientific subject (highly desirable).
• 10+ years’ experience in B2B sales and key account management within the specialty chemicals sector (distribution or manufacturing).
• Proven ability to develop and manage distributor networks.
• Knowledge of the specialty chemicals industry (e.g., antifoam agents, surfactants, silicone emulsions).
• Understanding of product applications in water treatment, coatings, food & beverage, adhesives, construction, manufacturing, or printing.
• Strong value-based and consultative selling skills, with a proven track record of success across the full sales cycle.
• Self-motivated with strong commercial acumen, energy, resilience, and a “hunter” mentality.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Flexibility to travel regularly across the UK and Europe, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

The offer

A competitive salary package and extra benefits will be offered.

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below. For more information, please contact Rogier Duijndam at +31 (0)71 523 46 03.