Sales Manager

Sales Manager UK - Food Equipment - Global Market Leader (Extruded Food Technologies) *Previous relevant experience is essential - candidates must be selling high speed automation solutions to Food Manufacturers (or similar). Candidates without experience will not be considered. This is a UK-wide role and can be based anywhere in the UK (North preferred) ----- We are looking for a strategic and proactive Sales Manager UK - EFT to drive sales growth and customer value across a defined region. This role is essential in building and managing a strong opportunity pipeline, qualifying high-potential leads, and guiding customers throughout their buying journey—from awareness to solution implementation and long-term satisfaction. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute regional business plans to achieve order intake and profitability targets. * Map and manage the full customer journey—from early awareness and solution exploration to purchasing decision and after-sales support. * Use CRM tools to manage the full sales process: from lead capture and opportunity qualification to forecasting and deal closure. * Proactively build and manage a robust sales pipeline through structured prospecting, market intelligence, and early engagement with potential customers. * Develop and deliver technical and sales presentations in collaboration with BU teams, ensuring a unified, one-team approach * Work closely with marketing, technical teams and regional offices to implement route-to-market action plans * Improve gross margin development through strategic pricing, value-based selling, and technical differentiation. * Support application and product development projects by sharing customer insights and market trends. * Coordinate internally with technical, project management, and product teams to ensure seamless handover and execution. * Collaborate with Business Unit during contract negotiations including terms and conditions and pricing * Utilises customer feedback to drive innovation and process/product development with the relevant administration/engineering function * Conducting market research and analysis as well as collate information regarding market pricing and expectations * Act as link between country and BU, championing the needs of both as in a cohesive and collaborative way * Work with marketing teams to develop brand awareness opportunities, networking within industry and participating at trade shows Your Profile and Qualifications * Degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical or Mechanical), Food Science, Business or equivalent experience * Extensive experience in international B2B sales, preferably in food processing plants, food machinery, or industrial automation. * Experience in selling custom engineered equipment and integrated process lines to the EFT industry * Some prior knowledge of one or more of the following application areas would be beneficial: Pasta Lines - Pet Food Lines - Snack Pellet Lines - Breakfast Cereal Lines * Strong application and process knowledge, with the ability to handle complex technical sales situations and multi-stakeholder engagements. * Proven ability to build and manage a sales pipeline, qualify leads effectively, and convert prospects into long-term customers. * Deep understanding of customer buying behaviour and ability to tailor approaches across various stages of the customer journey. * Strategic thinker with solid business acumen, negotiation skills, and experience in developing and executing go-to-market strategies. * Demonstrated ability to manage agent networks, key accounts, and internal cross-functional teams. * Good interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently as required. * Must be willing/able to travel to visit customers, potential clients, trade shows and industry functions require approximately 60-80% travel Our Client is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to the businesses success – come and join them! We can offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company. Please apply in writing with an up to date CV - we look forward to hearing from you