Blagden Specialty Chemicals Ltd is seeking an experienced Sales Manager to lead the growth of our Advanced Composites and Materials portfolio. This role is responsible for developing strategic customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and driving commercial success across high-performance materials applications. Working closely with technical, product, and supply chain teams, the Sales Manager will play a key role in expanding Blagden’s presence in demanding industries where innovation, reliability, and specialist expertise are critical.
Salary is commensurate to experience and aptitude.
Type: Hybrid
Location: UK Nationwide, Home Office plus HQ - Westerham, Kent when required.
Reporting to the National Sales Manager (Industrial Division)
· Principle focus on commercial & business development activity, as well as managing an existing customer base
· Build and maintain a good technical understanding of our product range
· Achievement of budget and KPI’s as set on an annual basis.
· Increase quantity, revenue, gross margin and expand number of active customers.
· Work closely with the Business Line Manager on developing new business opportunities, both new products and suppliers in line with the objectives of the plastics business line
· Specifically, to assist in the expansion of our Resins portfolio
· Regularly conduct in-person customer visits with prompt reporting.
· Record all customer interactions and pipeline data within our CRM platform.
· Review and keep updated all live opportunities and sample requests in CRM
· Negotiate prices to new and existing business, in line with company guidelines
· Report to the business through monthly sales reports, meeting presentations, forecasts and period reviews as required.
In addition:
· Work closely with the Customer Service Team to ensure we meet customer and Principal requirements and maintain high levels of service.
· Work closely in line with our Principals.
· Represent the company at relevant trade exhibitions and specific events.
· Build relationships with decision-makers in all identified key accounts.
· Frequent travel within the UK and Republic of Ireland and internationally as required.
Candidate Requirements
· Key relationship builder with customers, Principals and colleagues.
· Experience of selling to companies within manufacturing industries that are producing the products, including but not exclusive to composites, thermosets, and related industries and products. (As opposed to the brands and or commercial organisations operating in the supply chain).
· Have a technical background and a strong understanding of the role of a distributor, with the ability to technically promote our product range and provide advice to customers.
· Strong commercial acumen with an ability to identify new business and margin growth opportunities.
· Ideally has worked within the chemicals distribution industry.
· A confident, relationship seller who can build rapport with customers within purchasing and technical departments and at various levels of organisations including senior management.
· Solution selling skills, able to make a connection between customer issues and the Blagden portfolio.
· A proven performer who can deliver results.