Technical Sales Manager

Job Description Salary: 50-70k+ (negotiable on experience); competitive bonus tied to P&L performance; other perks such as dental & health insurance, pension contributions etc. included
Hours: Monday – Friday (09:00-17:00)
Location: Flexible (min. 1 day in-person per week, Leeds office). Travel across UK and Europe required
Job Title: Sales Manager

Launched in 2018, Anstar is a rapidly expanding start-up in the speciality chemical distribution space. We have quickly gained prominence in the UV-curable raw materials market, including photoinitiators used in inks, coatings, adhesives, 3D printing and electronics.

Anstar is widely recognised and highly regarded in the industry for exemplifying our core philosophies: trust, transparency, ethical conduct, and unwavering customer-centricity. These values have helped us forge strong partnerships with suppliers and customers who are at the heart of our business.

Anstar has established a strong supplier for bio-sourced raw materials (e.g., Tannic acid, Gallic acid, Propyl Gallate). These chemicals act as antioxidants (among other functions) and are used across a range of industries including food, nutrition, animal feeds etc. To steer and expand this exciting new venture, we seek an accomplished Sales Manager/ Director with a demonstrated aptitude for business development and exceptional managerial prowess.

This role will offer an invigorating blend of challenges, a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to foster an entrepreneurial spirit. You will be responsible for driving a whole new business unit and continuing our company’s upward trajectory.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Drive business development, pursue new opportunities and cultivate strong relationships with potential customers to secure new accounts in the UK and EU
Develop and nurture a sales team as required and provide effective leadership
Visit customers, distributors and suppliers as required
Maintain strong relationships with key customers, understanding their needs, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional customer service
Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities. Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential growth areas, customer demands, and emerging opportunities
Track sales performance, analyse key metrics, and prepare regular reports on sales activities and revenue forecasts
Produce product/ company presentations and present to potential and current customers
Produce technical presentations with the support of formulation and research teams
Oversee the financial performance (P&L) of the business unit, monitor expenses, manage budgets, and optimise profitability in line with the company's financial objectives
Act as a brand ambassador at industry events, trade shows, and conferences, representing the company professionally, networking with key stakeholders, and promoting the company's products and services
Continuously evaluate and improve sales processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction

Essential requirements for the role:
You are an experienced Sales Manager/ Director (5+ years) with a proven track record and technical background
You have an in-depth understanding and have worked in (speciality) chemical industries
You have some knowledge of the raw materials Gallic acid, Tannic acid, Propyl Gallate etc.
You know about customers of the above raw materials in the food additives, nutrition and animal feed etc. industries
You are able to develop and execute strategic sales plans, identify new market opportunities and drive new business and customers
You have demonstrated exceptional managerial prowess, with the capacity to inspire and motivate others
You have excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities
You can produce and present client-ready presentations
You are educated to a degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline
You are highly proficient in English, and are comfortable with technical terminology and documentation
You are proficient working with technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft software (Windows, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)
You are willing to travel around the UK and in Europe to meet customers when required
You are willing to travel to the Leeds-based office (minimum) once a week

Advantageous/desirable qualities:
Experience working with CRMs and ERPs
Training in management (online/ in-person courses, MBAs etc.)