Director - Sales & Business Development - UK & Ireland - Pharma & Food Applications

GEA is one of the world’s largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Responsibilities / Tasks

The Sales Director for UK & Ireland (Pharma & Food Applications) is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering the commercial strategy of the PFA business. This is not solely a sales execution role; it is a strategic appointment that will contribute to the long term growth, stability, and profitability of the UK & Ireland entity.

Working closely with the Managing Director and the wider leadership team, the Sales Director will develop and execute a sustainable market strategy, lead high value and complex sales engagements, and build a high performing sales organisation. Success in this role requires resilience, diplomacy, and the ability to navigate a complex, matrixed organisation while maintaining strong governance and disciplined sales processes.

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and execute comprehensive sales strategies aligned with company objectives and market opportunities across the UK & Ireland

Partner with the senior leadership team to set annual revenue targets, sales forecasts, and growth initiatives

Analyse market trends, competitive dynamics, and customer need to identify new business opportunities

Lead go to market strategies for new products, services, and market segments

Contribute to the broader strategic direction of the business beyond sales activity

Complex Sales & Commercial Excellence

Lead and oversee complex, high value capital equipment and solution based sales processes

Clearly articulate the customer value proposition and align it with GEA’s value creation objectives

Define and manage clear terms of engagement, including rigorous assessment of deal viability, risk, and mutual benefit

Balance commercial ambition with appropriate governance to protect the business while enabling winning outcomes

Champion disciplined sales processes supported by strong project management and service collaboration

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Build, lead, and inspire a high performing sales organisation

Recruit, develop, and retain senior sales talent and future leaders

Coach and mentor sales managers and individual contributors to elevate performance

Establish performance management frameworks, development plans, and succession strategies

Design and implement sales structures, territories, quotas, and compensation plans that drive growth

Sales Operations, Performance & Governance

Establish and continuously improve sales processes, methodologies, and best practices

Lead effective use of CRM systems, sales tools, and performance dashboards

Own sales forecasting, pipeline management, and budgeting processes

Manage and grow an annual sales budget in excess of £25m

Define and monitor performance metrics, using insight and data to drive continuous improvement

Lead deal governance processes including reviews, approvals, and risk assessment

Leadership & Ways of Working

Operate effectively in a complex, matrixed, and demanding business environment

Demonstrate resilience and composure under pressure, viewing internal challenges as opportunities for alignment and improvement

Communicate with clarity and influence across functions to gain buy in for strategy and execution

Use diplomacy and professional judgement to challenge constructively when required

Strong belief that disciplined process, deep customer understanding, and cross functional collaboration are critical to sustainable success

Your Profile / Qualifications

Degree or equivalent further education in an engineering and/or business discipline

Formal sales training delivered by a reputable provider

5–10 years of progressive sales experience, including at least 5 years in senior sales leadership roles

Proven track record of leading sales teams of 10+ people and delivering annual revenues exceeding £20m

Strong background in B2B solution selling and complex sales environments

Demonstrated ability to build and scale a sales organisation to deliver growth

Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills

Desirable

Experience in a global, fast moving capital equipment manufacturing environment

Food industry experience preferred

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