Sales
United Kingdom, Milton Keynes
December
Full time
Permanent
Job benefits
Competitive salary and bonus scheme
Continuous personnel development (e-learnings & projects)
Free day to volunteer
About the position
GEA is one of the largest suppliers for food processing technology and of related industries. The global group specialises in machinery, plants, as well as process technology and components. GEA provides sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes in diverse end-user markets and offers a comprehensive service portfolio. Through the business unit Extruded Food Technologies, GEA designs and manufactures technologies and integrated product lines for cereal-based food: from the handling of raw materials to the final packaging. GEA Extruded Food Technologies offers the widest range of solutions for the production of all types of dry and fresh pasta, extruded snacks, breakfast cereals and dry petfood. It provides also dies, cutting systems, die washing equipment, packaging lines and handling and storage systems for raw materials and finished products. With experienced knowhow, a wide range portfolio and consistent R&D investments, GEA Extruded Food Technologies can fully provide highly sophisticated process and automation solutions. Whether the focus is on a single machine or a turnkey tailor-made solution, working with GEA means obtaining high-quality food products with added value in terms of efficiency, reliability and sustainability.
Your responsibilities and tasks
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. (This is a UK-wide role and can be based anywhere in the country)
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 GEA 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, tradeshows and industry functions require approximately 60-80% travel
About GEA
GEA 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 GEA's success – come and join them We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.
Why join GEA
GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.