GEA is one of the world`s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.
Responsibilities / Tasks
- The Sales Director for UK & Ireland (Pharma & Food Applications) is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the commercial strategy of the PFA business. This is not solely a sales execution role; it is a strategic appointment that will contribute to the long term growth, stability, and profitability of the UK & Ireland entity.
- Working closely with the Managing Director and the wider leadership team, the Sales Director will develop and execute a sustainable market strategy, lead high value and complex sales engagements, and build a high performing sales organisation.
- Success in this role requires resilience, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organisation while maintaining strong governance and disciplined sales processes.
- Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives and market opportunities across the UK & Ireland
- Partner with the senior leadership team to set annual revenue targets, sales forecasts, and growth initiatives
- Analyse market trends, competitive dynamics, and customer need to identify new business opportunities
- Lead go to market strategies for new products, services, and market segments
- Contribute to the broader strategic direction of the business beyond sales activity
- Complex Sales & Commercial Excellence
- Lead and oversee complex, high value capital equipment and solution based sales processes
- Clearly articulate the customer value proposition and align it with GEA`s value creation objectives
- Define and manage clear terms of engagement, including rigorous assessment of deal viability, risk, and mutual benefit
- Balance commercial ambition with appropriate governance to protect the business while enabling winning outcomes
- Champion disciplined sales processes supported by strong project management and service collaboration
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, lead, and inspire a high performing sales organisation
- Recruit, develop, and retain senior sales talent and future leaders
- Coach and mentor sales managers and individual contributors to elevate performance
- Establish performance management frameworks, development plans, and succession strategies
- Design and implement sales structures, territories, quotas, and compensation plans that drive growth
- Sales Operations, Performance & Governance
- Establish and continuously improve sales processes, methodologies, and best practices
- Lead effective use of CRM systems, sales tools, and performance dashboards
- Own sales forecasting, pipeline management, and budgeting processes
- Manage and grow an annual sales budget in excess of £25m
- Define and monitor performance metrics, using insight and data to drive continuous improvement
- Lead deal governance processes including reviews, approvals, and risk assessment
- Leadership & Ways of Working
- Operate effectively in a complex, matrixed, and demanding business environment
- Demonstrate resilience and composure under pressure, viewing internal challenges as opportunities for alignment and improvement
- Communicate with clarity and influence across functions to gain buy in for strategy and execution
- Use diplomacy and professional judgement to challenge constructively when required
- Strong belief that disciplined process, deep customer understanding, and cross functional collaboration are critical to sustainable success
Your Profile / Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent further education in an engineering and/or business discipline
- Formal sales training delivered by a reputable provider
- 5-10 years of progressive sales experience, including at least 5 years in senior sales leadership roles
- Proven track record of leading sales teams of 10+ people and delivering annual revenues exceeding £20m
- Strong background in B2B solution selling and complex sales environments
- Demonstrated ability to build and scale a sales organisation to deliver growth
- Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
- Desirable Experience in a global, fast moving capital equipment manufacturing environment
- Food industry experience preferred
GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets.
