DNC Sales Director

Organizational Context

• Company:                     DNC
• Office Location:          Suzhou
• Job Family:                   Sales & After Sales and Technical Assistance
• Line Manager:            Managing Director
• No. direct reports:     5 (20 people overall)
• Internal Customers:  Group/BU CEO, Corporate Chief Officers, Managing Directors, Operations Directors, Staff function’s Directors, other functions as required
•  External Customers: Current and potential new Customers, Professional communities. JVs

Main tasks and responsibilities

The Sales Director will be responsible for driving sales growth and expanding business market presence in China (budget around 50M euro). This role involves managing and growing a team of sales professionals, developing strategic sales plans, and building strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders. Main responsibilities will be focused on:

• Strategic plans: Participate in defining the Sales strategy, targets and budget, in strict coordination with the MD, BU CEO and AFC
• Sales Growth: achieving and exceeding sales targets and revenue goals within the designated regions.
• Market Share Expansion: Increasing market share by identifying and capturing new business opportunities.
• Customer Acquisition: successfully acquiring new customers and expanding the customer base in the targeted regions. Participate to trade shows and manage networking activities with customers as required for sustaining and developing the necessary business relationships.
• Customer Retention: maintaining strong relationships with existing customers and partners and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Sales Pipeline Management: Effectively managing the sales pipeline, from lead generation to closing deals, ensuring a steady flow of business opportunities. Define and assign action plans with the Sales Managers, by setting objectives and customer service standards. Coordinate and control their implementation. Identify the opportunity and lead personally, when required, specific sales projects.
• Market Analysis: Conducting regular market analysis to stay ahead of market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs. Identify significant market trends. Identify and evaluate new customer opportunities. Monitor competitors and their market presence by estimating on an annual basis market shares by segment. Execute competitive analyses, identify threats and put in place contingent strategies to protect market share.
• Collaboration: Working closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, PdMs and Operations to support sales initiatives. Work with senior management to align sales strategies with the company’s overall business objectives, including capacity expansion plans, and sustainability goals (e.g., green hydrogen integration).
• Compliance: ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
• Reporting: Preparing and presenting sales reports, forecasts, and performance metrics to senior management.
• Team management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of sales professionals, providing guidance and support to achieve individual and team goals as well as boosting their development and sales skills.

Education and professional experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Chemistry or Engineering; Bachelor’s degree in business administration, business management, marketing. A master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years related working experience preferably in electro-chemistry of which at least 5 years in a key MBD/Sales role of a multinational manufacturing company.
• Deep knowledge of Chlor-Alkaline products (caustic soda, chlorine, PVC, hydrogen), their technical applications, downstream industries, and global market dynamics (supply-demand, pricing, regulations).
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets
• Ability to analyze market trends and develop effective sales strategies.
• Strong understanding of the China market and cultural nuances.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills.
• Strong leadership and inclusive, team management skills.
• Chinese mandatory. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Ability to envision and drive change and innovation
• Ability to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Additional information

• Travelling >50%
• Knowledge of CRM is a plus