Director – Sales & Business Development – UK & Ireland – Pharma & Food Applications
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About the position
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.
Your responsibilities and 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
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
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 and 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
Experience in a global, fast moving capital equipment manufacturing environment
Food industry experience preferred
About GEA
GEA is one of the largest suppliers for the food and beverage processing industry and a wide range of other process industries. Approximately 18,000 employees in more than 60 countries contribute significantly to GEA’s success – come and join them! We offer interesting and challenging tasks, a positive working environment in international teams and opportunities for personal development and growth in a global company.
GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.
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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. Used across diverse industries, they enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.
GEA is listed in the DAX and the STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also among the companies comprising the DAX 50 ESG and MSCI Global Sustainability Indices.
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