Technical Sales Manager

Salary: 50-70k+ (negotiable on experience); competitive bonus tied to P&L performance; other perks such as dental & health insurance, pension contributions etc. includedHours: Monday – Friday (09:00-17:00)Location: Flexible (min. 1 day in-person per week, Leeds office). Travel across UK and Europe requiredJob Title: Sales ManagerLaunched in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly expanding start-up in the speciality chemical distribution space. We have quickly gained prominence in the UV-curable raw materials market, including photoinitiators used in inks, coatings, adhesives, 3D printing and electronics.Anstar is widely recognised and highly regarded in the industry for exemplifying our core philosophies: trust, transparency, ethical conduct, and unwavering customer-centricity. These values have helped us forge strong partnerships with suppliers and customers who are at the heart of our business.Anstar has established a strong supplier for bio-sourced raw materials (e.g., Tannic acid, Gallic acid, Propyl Gallate). These chemicals act as antioxidants (among other functions) and are used across a range of industries including food, nutrition, animal feeds etc. To steer and expand this exciting new venture, we seek an accomplished Sales Manager/ Director with a demonstrated aptitude for business development and exceptional managerial prowess.This role will offer an invigorating blend of challenges, a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to foster an entrepreneurial spirit. You will be responsible for driving a whole new business unit and continuing our company’s upward trajectory.Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:Drive business development, pursue new opportunities and cultivate strong relationships with potential customers to secure new accounts in the UK and EUDevelop and nurture a sales team as required and provide effective leadershipVisit customers, distributors and suppliers as requiredMaintain strong relationships with key customers, understanding their needs, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional customer serviceStay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities. Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential growth areas, customer demands, and emerging opportunitiesTrack sales performance, analyse key metrics, and prepare regular reports on sales activities and revenue forecastsProduce product/ company presentations and present to potential and current customersProduce technical presentations with the support of formulation and research teamsOversee the financial performance (P&L) of the business unit, monitor expenses, manage budgets, and optimise profitability in line with the company's financial objectivesAct as a brand ambassador at industry events, trade shows, and conferences, representing the company professionally, networking with key stakeholders, and promoting the company's products and servicesContinuously evaluate and improve sales processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfactionEssential requirements for the role:You are an experienced Sales Manager/ Director (5+ years) with a proven track record and technical backgroundYou have an in-depth understanding and have worked in (speciality) chemical industriesYou have some knowledge of the raw materials Gallic acid, Tannic acid, Propyl Gallate etc.You know about customers of the above raw materials in the food additives, nutrition and animal feed etc. industriesYou are able to develop and execute strategic sales plans, identify new market opportunities and drive new business and customersYou have demonstrated exceptional managerial prowess, with the capacity to inspire and motivate othersYou have excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilitiesYou can produce and present client-ready presentationsYou are educated to a degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific disciplineYou are highly proficient in English, and are comfortable with technical terminology and documentationYou are proficient working with technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)You are willing to travel around the UK and in Europe to meet customers when requiredYou are willing to travel to the Leeds-based office (minimum) once a weekAdvantageous/desirable qualities: Experience working with CRMs and ERPsTraining in management (online/ in-person courses, MBAs etc.)