Sales & Application Manager Inks & Coatings

About Umicore 

Powering the cars of today and tomorrow. Reducing harmful emissions. Giving unique properties to high-end applications. Giving new life to used metals. As a global advanced materials and recycling group, we develop, produce, and recycle materials for a better life.  

About Cobalt & Speciality Materials 

Mastering the cobalt value chain. Umicore’s expertise covers the sourcing, production and distribution of cobalt and nickel products. Umicore’s materials are at the heart of products we use every day such as rechargeable batteries, tools, paints and tyres. Our recycling and refining processes give new life to cobalt and other metals and reduce environmental impacts. To meet the demands of our customers we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

What you will be doing 

 The Sales & Application Sales Manager manages day-to-day operational sales and implements the strategy of USMB’s product portfolio with a focus on the inks & coatings product line. The jobholder develops and optimizes this business further by means of direct sales with key accounts and distributors and Umicore Marketing Services offices.

More detailed responsibilities:

• You actively participate in the definition of the commercial strategy and give input to the yearly budget.
• You prospect current / new accounts and opportunities within your assigned region & business domain. You have a strong presence in the field through regular customer visits. You report on a regular and structural basis (precise and complete visit reports including action plan).
• You prepare offers, negotiate sales contracts and provide technical support.
• You coach the distribution partners and Umicore Marketing Services.

• You provide R&D, engineering & production with relevant market info and possible improvement opportunities (in products, production process and quality control), based upon application knowledge. And in this way you bring the product portfolio of USMB to a next level.

• Within the framework set out, you arrange and follow-up together with your colleagues the daily back office work, maintain contacts with R&D, Procurement & Finance to assure an optimal service towards the customer.
• You attend and participate in conferences and you actively build your network. You give commercial and technical presentations. You organize and participate in exhibitions.
• You assist in the development of promotion material (technical brochures, marketing, publicity).

Who we are looking for 

An enthusiastic Sales colleague, with:

• A Master’s degree in Chemistry or Material Science (industrial, bio-, or civil engineering; chemistry) or a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or Material Science with relevant years of experience.
• Technical expertise in the field of inks and coatings is an asset.
• Broad commercial skills, with emphasis on bridging product knowledge with customer value.
• Over 5 years of relevant working experience (B2B sales).
• Business Development experience is considered as a plus.
• Fluency in Dutch and English (French and/or German is considered as a plus).
• The willingness to travel.
• Strong analytical and negociating skills.
• The passion to build relationships and a network.

What we offer 

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do? 

If our recycling know-how can recover cobalt from industrial metal scrap, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?