Our client is the world’s leading producer of Niobium, a chemical element/mineral resource that primarily improves the strength of steel and has many different applications. The nature of their business involves the extraction, processing, manufacturing, and marketing of this chemical element, developing and providing technology for each application and final product. The task is to add value to the supply chain where the element is used. This element is widely used in structures for buildings, bridges and façades, structures of automotive bodies and also in superconducting magnets of MRI scanners and hot parts of aeronautic engines, to name but a few examples. They work closely with a variety of industries involved in steel production, welding, nuclear, and electronics, and dedicate their special attention to their customers, wherever they may be globally.

Due to expansion within Asia, they are seeking a Commercial Manager, India to manage and promote the sales of niobium products to Indian Steel producers. This includes but is not limited to developing and maintaining customer relations, customer credit management, market analyses and supporting market development efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMERCIAL MANAGER, INDIA

Mission:

This a role focuses on the sales and business development processes of identifying and building prospects and customers for business opportunities. This role is a fit for someone who is well networked amongst the India steel producers and is experienced in selling solutions and technology in the iron and steel business. This position demands an experienced salesperson with also a good technical understanding of the iron and steel business, who can work with a variety of different stakeholders and a multicultural environment, fostering teamwork. The responsibilities include but are not limited to business development, business partnerships, negotiating and overseeing contracts, maintaining customer relations, credit and risk management, market analyses and supporting market development efforts. Through engagement with the Global and local technical teams, Product managers and Marketing, this role will be involved in all activities related to sales, post-sales, lead follow-ups, business development, partnership development, sales pipeline management, overlooking the whole sales development process.

The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·      Business and market development

·      Business partnerships

·      Negotiating and overseeing contracts

·      Maintaining customer relationships and forecast sales

·      Credit and risk management

·      Market analyses through engagement with the local and global teams, product managers, and marketing, this role will be involved in all activities related from pre-sales to post-sales.

The candidate will manage relationships via salesforce, using also the company’s internal IT platform, recording activities by reports and quarterly commercial workshop. Strong connections and interactions with the logistic team will be required. The team working attitude and positive mindset complete the profile.

Main deliverables:

·      Translate technical product knowledge into customer value, supporting trials, testing, and application discussions when required.

·      Collaborate with technical teams to evaluate product performance and ensure alignment between customer needs and technical capabilities.

·      Identify, develop, and cultivate sales opportunities for short, medium and long-term business opportunities.

·      Identify new markets and anticipate customer needs.

·      Execute a growth strategy focused on financial gain, market expansion and customer satisfaction.

·      Market analysis based on products, applications and identify value in the supply chain.

·      Validate innovative ideas, business opportunities and engage in transformational partnerships with new and existing customers.

·      Build relationships across the organization and function as a change agent to foster innovative growth.

·      Introduce and maintain strong Sales Operations processes, use of CRM, ERP tools, forecasting, and pipeline management.

·      Develop relationships and build a network that will excel the business.

Risk and credit management:

·      Customer assessment to identify opportunities of technical development.

·      Analyze market dynamics, competitors, identify threats and opportunities.

·      Focus on Sustainability.

Requirements:

·      Proven experience in account management, preferably in the steel, metallurgical, or industrial sectors.

·      Experience in the steelmaking, steel industry, or metallurgical sector is highly preferred.

·      Ability to understand technical concepts related to steel production processes,

·      applications, and metallurgical technologies.

·      Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, financial indicators, and customer insights.

·      Entrepreneurial mindset, adaptability, and willingness to challenge the status quo.

·      Strong teamwork, resilience, and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

·      Advanced problem-solving skills;

·      Proficient verbal and written communication skills;

·      Travel: Frequent travel to engage directly with clients and stakeholders.

Essential Competencies:

·      Strategic vision and systemic thinking

·      Strong influencing and negotiation skills

·      Resilience and adaptability in dynamic environments

·      Collaborative leadership and stakeholder management

·      Nonconformity / drive to challenge the status quo

·      High energy and strong interpersonal skills

Qualifications:

·      Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Business, Economics;

·      Experience as an Account Manager;

·      Fluent in English and, as the role requires extensive interaction with a targeted customer base in India, fluency in Hindi;

·      Proficient Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word);

·      Knowledge in Salesforce and SAP

Competencies:

·      Results oriented.

·       Ability to develop working relationships with people from different backgrounds (customers, salespeople, production shop operators, industry leaders)