Sales Manager Process Technology (Dairy)

The Sales Manager Process Technology is responsible for driving sales growth, achieving agreed commercial targets, and increasing GEA's market share across the Dairy, Beverage, Food, and Chemical industries. The role combines technical sales expertise, business development, customer relationship management, and strategic planning to deliver sustainable business growth while ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction and compliance with GEA standards and values.

The successful candidate will manage the complete sales cycle, from identifying opportunities and developing customer solutions through contract negotiation, project handover, and ongoing relationship management.

Responsibilities / Tasks

Sales & Business Development

• Achieve annual sales, order intake, revenue, and gross margin targets.
• Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities within assigned markets.
• Generate and maintain a strong pipeline of projects and sales opportunities.
• Promote GEA process solutions and technologies to new and existing customers.
• Develop long-term strategic relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations to secure profitable business.
• Execute sales plans in line with regional and divisional growth objectives.
• Increase market share through proactive business development activities.

Solution Selling & Proposal Management

• Analyze customer requirements and develop technical-commercial solutions.
• Coordinate proposal preparation with engineering, project management, and divisional teams.
• Prepare quotations, cost calculations, budgets, and commercial offers.
• Monitor offer progress and drive conversion from quotation to order.
• Negotiate contract terms and conditions while ensuring compliance with company policies.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build trusted partnerships with customers at operational and executive levels.
• Conduct regular customer visits and business reviews.
• Manage customer expectations and ensure high levels of satisfaction.
• Support project execution and commissioning activities where required.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery

Strategic Planning & Market Development

• Analyze market trends, competitive activities, and customer needs.
• Contribute to annual sales plans, budgets, and mid-term business planning.
• Execute go-to-market strategies and support regional growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and new market applications.
• Represent GEA at trade fairs, conferences, industry events, and customer seminars

Financial and Operational Accountability

• Maintain accurate sales forecasts and CRM data.
• Monitor project profitability and commercial performance.
• Report sales performance, opportunities, risks, and corrective actions.
• Support cash flow management and balance sheet objectives.
• Ensure accurate reporting through all commercial systems and business platforms

Compliance & Governance

• Follow all company policies, procedures, and approval processes.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, business conduct, QHSE, and sustainability requirements.
• Maintain accurate records within CRM and other business systems.
• Support wider corporate initiatives and cross-functional projects when required

Daily Tasks

Customer & Market Activities

• Visit customers and conduct face-to-face or virtual meetings.
• Identify and qualify new sales leads and project opportunities.
• Maintain regular contact with key customers and strategic accounts.
• Respond to customer inquiries and technical-commercial requests.
• Build relationships with consultants, contractors, and industry influencers

Sales & Opportunity Management

• Manage and update sales opportunities in CRM.
• Prepare and follow up quotations and commercial proposals.
• Coordinate internally to obtain technical and commercial input for offers.
• Track project pipelines and sales forecasts.
• Conduct commercial negotiations and contract discussions

Internal Coordination

• Collaborate with engineering, project management, operations, finance, and service teams.
• Participate in sales meetings, project reviews, and business planning sessions.
• Support opportunity reviews and strategy discussions.
• Ensure compliance with approval processes and sales procedures

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate CRM records and sales reports.
• Monitor sales performance against targets.
• Prepare monthly forecasts and pipeline reviews.
• Update business systems related to sales opportunities and quotations.
• Escalate risks, commercial issues, or customer concerns when necessary

Industry Representation

• Attend industry exhibitions, seminars, networking events, and trade fairs.
• Conduct customer presentations and technical workshops.
• Promote the GEA brand and value proposition within target industries.

Your Profile / Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Food Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or additional commercial qualifications are an advantage

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in technical sales, business development, engineering, or project management within the Dairy, Food, Beverage, or Chemical industry.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
• Experience in complex project sales, contract negotiations, and customer relationship management.
• Experience working in an international and matrix organization is preferred

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of process technologies and industrial plant solutions.
• Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience with solution selling and value-based sales approaches.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications

Personal Competencies

• Strong customer focus and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and work across functions without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-driven, results-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Open-minded, adaptable, and willing to travel regularly

Languages

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Fluency in the local market language.
• Additional European languages are an advantage

Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.