Senior Sales Director, North America, CRT Division

Our Client

On behalf of our client, GMM Pfaudler, we are seeking a Senior Sales Director to lead the commercial team for the company’s Corrosion Resistant Technology (CRT) division, and further expand its footprint in Nort America (USA & Canada).  This an excellent career opportunity for a well-versed, energetic, strategic, and hands-on sales leader with experience in developing sales teams, preferably in a chemical processing environment. This is a remote or hybrid position, ideally located in the Northeast.

Company Overview 

GMM Pfaudler is a global industrial machinery manufacturer that designs, manufactures, installs, and services corrosion-resistant equipment and complete chemical process systems for industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, oil & gas, and others. The company is recognized for corrosion-resistant technologies and high-value engineered systems used across complex process industries. Company website: https://www.gmmpfaudler.com/

Position Overview 

Reporting to the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) of CRT in Europe, the Senior Director, Sales (North America including USA and Canada),  will be responsible for executing the Business Plan and developing and executing the strategic sales plan to achieve the revenue goals of the technologies business. The product line consists of glass-lined equipment including reactors, storage vessels, glass-lined mixers, and column assemblies. The Senior Director will collaborate with other departments to drive growth and maintain a competitive position in the market. It is desirable the Candidate has experience with chemical processing, and this role is focused on developing and implementing the strategy for original equipment sales. Product and applications support will be provided from the back office as needed.

Key Duties & Responsibilities 

Sales Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and execute the continental sales strategy in alignment with the CRT division’s global objectives.
• Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities and develop business plans accordingly.
• Ensure sales targets (order intake, revenue, margin) are consistently achieved.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients and stakeholders.
• Review and establish customer Purchasing agreements as needed.
• Actively represent the CRT division brands at trade shows, conferences, and client negotiations.
• Proactively address challenges or obstacles to achieving revenue targets.

Team Leadership & Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing sales team.
• Set performance benchmarks and monitor individual and team performance.
• Hire, appraise, and address performance issues to maintain a strong team.
• Promote value selling and discourage cost-plus behavior.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members.
• Implement structured funnel management to monitor and improve performance with Salesforce.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with marketing, product, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution of sales initiatives.
• Work closely with the Operations team to evaluate the location of equipment sourcing based on capacities, centers of excellence and customer specifications.
• Act as the voice of the customer in product development and innovation initiatives.

Governance and Reporting:

• Provide accurate sales forecasts, budgets, and reporting on to management.
• Monitor profitability, pricing policies and sales expenses.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, processes and ethical standards

Position Highlights:

• GMM Pfaudler offers a competitive compensation package, base salary plus bonus, car allowance, as well as full benefits including 401k plus company match.
• Excellent career opportunity with a growing company and with an ambitious vision and a strong market position.
• An informal and open organizational culture with direct and short communication lines.
• International travel to Europe for onboarding, collaboration, and training.

Candidate Profile

• Engineering background, MBA preferred but not essential.
• 10+ years of sales experience in the relevant industry.
• Proven track record of success in a senior sales role, including demonstrated previous experience in a leadership position.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software and other sales tools. Salesforce preferred.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on achieving and surpassing goals.
• Adaptability to dynamic markets and fast-paced environments.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Analytical problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Availability to travel to customer locations for technical and commercial discussions as needed.
• Expected travel is 30-40%.