Technical Sales Manager (Speciality)

Salary: £55-70k+ (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/London). Travel across UK and Europe required

Job Title: Technical 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, nutri5-tion, 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.)