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)
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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
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Develop and execute regional business plans to achieve order intake and profitability targets.
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Map and manage the full customer journey—from early awareness and solution exploration to purchasing decision and after-sales support.
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Use CRM tools to manage the full sales process: from lead capture and opportunity qualification to forecasting and deal closure.
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Proactively build and manage a robust sales pipeline through structured prospecting, market intelligence, and early engagement with potential customers.
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Develop and deliver technical and sales presentations in collaboration with BU teams, ensuring a unified, one-team approach
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Work closely with marketing, technical teams and regional offices to implement route-to-market action plans
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Improve gross margin development through strategic pricing, value-based selling, and technical differentiation.
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Support application and product development projects by sharing customer insights and market trends.
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Coordinate internally with technical, project management, and product teams to ensure seamless handover and execution.
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Collaborate with Business Unit during contract negotiations including terms and conditions and pricing
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Utilises customer feedback to drive innovation and process/product development with the relevant administration/engineering function
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Conducting market research and analysis as well as collate information regarding market pricing and expectations
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Act as link between country and BU, championing the needs of both as in a cohesive and collaborative way
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Work with marketing teams to develop brand awareness opportunities, networking within industry and participating at trade shows
Your Profile and Qualifications
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Degree in Engineering (e.g. Chemical or Mechanical), Food Science, Business or equivalent experience
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Extensive experience in international B2B sales, preferably in food processing plants, food machinery, or industrial automation.
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Experience in selling custom engineered equipment and integrated process lines to the EFT industry
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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
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Strong application and process knowledge, with the ability to handle complex technical sales situations and multi-stakeholder engagements.
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Proven ability to build and manage a sales pipeline, qualify leads effectively, and convert prospects into long-term customers.
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Deep understanding of customer buying behaviour and ability to tailor approaches across various stages of the customer journey.
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Strategic thinker with solid business acumen, negotiation skills, and experience in developing and executing go-to-market strategies.
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Demonstrated ability to manage agent networks, key accounts, and internal cross-functional teams.
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Good interpersonal skills and work well in a team setting as well as independently as required.
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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