Director of Global Sales - Cheese Processing Cluster | Manager

Description

Join GEA and lead the global growth of our Cheese Processing business We are looking for an experienced commercial leader to take responsibility for the global sales development of GEA's Cheese Processing portfolio. In this role, you will lead the sales and sales support organization for new machinery and processing lines, including offer preparation and pre-contract sales engineering activities. The organization includes three teams covering Sales Front-End, Technical Offering, and Sales Administration & CRM. With responsibility for a yearly business volume of approximately €15-20 million, you will play a key role in driving growth, supporting strategic initiatives, and strengthening GEA's position in the global dairy and cheese processing market.

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.

• Why join GEA

• 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.

Your profile and qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Economics, Food Technology & Science or an equivalent field.

• Additional education or training in finance, commercial contracts, sales, negotiation or value selling is considered an advantage.

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in similar commercial leadership positions, including at least 5 years in a sales management role.

• Strong application knowledge and experience in the dairy and cheese processing industry.

• Experience in international business environments.

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.

• Proven ability to manage complex commercial situations and challenges.

• Good understanding of legal and financial contractual aspects.

• Strong customer orientation and relationship-building skills.

• Leadership approach based on openness, collaboration and solution-oriented thinking.

• Ability to perform effectively in demanding and high-pressure situations.

• Openness to new ideas and continuous improvement.

• Fluent Italian and English. Additional languages such as Spanish or French are considered an advantage.

• Competitive compensation package.

• Company car.

• Annual bonus linked to company performance.

• Health and wellbeing programmes.

• Opportunity to work in an international environment with global responsibility and exposure.

Your responsibilities and tasks

• Lead the front-sales and sales support teams across the Cheese Processing portfolio. Develop and implement the sales plan.

• Manage and develop the Sales Front-End, Technical Offering, Sales Engineering, Sales Administration and CRM activities.

• Actively participate in customer negotiations and commercial offering activities.

• Negotiate contractual terms and conditions in cooperation with Legal and Finance functions.

• Work directly with customers or through the GEA worldwide sales network, depending on the region and market.

• Collaborate with Division Marketing to define and implement global marketing plans for Cheese Processing technologies.

• Manage agents and distributors, including engagement, support, commissions and compliance activities.

• Define pricing and discount policies as well as project-specific commercial conditions, ensuring project profitability. Ensure price list implementation and maintenance.

• Build and implement the business development strategy and go-to-market approach for the Cheese Processing Cluster in collaboration with the NPE Division Regional Business Units and the Global Dairy Business Line.

• Support and influence the product development pipeline and contribute to defining R&D investment priorities and business cases.

• Manage the cost center and personnel budget.

• Maintain strong relationships with customers, key stakeholders and GEA sales leaders globally.