Global Sales Manager - Distribution and OEM

The Opportunity:

Nigel Wright Group is delighted to have been retained by a growing manufacturing business in Manchester, to lead the search for the appointment of a new Global Sales Manager.  The Group has a diverse range of high quality, high performance, high margin products that are used by OEM customers globally.  The role will report directly to the Divisional Managing Director and will be a senior standalone position within the business, with matrix responsibility, but without direct reports.  A significant proportion of the revenue generation is through distribution and territories include the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and China.  The position is newly created and is a critical part of the growth strategy of the business.

Role Profile:

• Driving global sales for multiple product groups, that serve customers in varying sectors.
• Engaging with customer sectors including forestry, plastic injection moulding, defence and space / aerospace and power generation. 
• Supporting and performance managing distribution partners globally.
• Setting up new and reviewing existing distribution relationships across the product groups.
• Some direct sales to OEMs and key account management of larger direct relationships.
• End user engagement to support back selling through distribution partners.
• Global travel as required.  Travel estimated to be circa 25%.
• Driving profitable sales growth across the product ranges and reporting performance and pipeline information upline.
• Working closely with the product management team and cross functionally throughout the business.

Person Specification:

• Manufactured product experience is essential.  Flexible as to whether this could be from a mechanical, electrical / electronic, or chemical sector background.
• Must have broad international experience.  Ideally will have covered Europe, Far East, Middle East and North America.
• Experience of managing and driving existing distribution partner performance, as well as selecting and setting up new distribution partnerships.
• High margin, high quality product experience preferable.  High volume, low margin products, that compete on price, less likely to be relevant.
• Semi commutable to Manchester.  Ideally a couple of days per week in the office, to build relationships and engage across business functions.