Associate Advanced Materials Solutions Technical Sales

Adecco Portugal; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22–25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Company pension

Critical illness cover

Life assurance

Sick pay

EAP

On-site parking

Refreshments

Social events

Job summary

Adecco Group UK & Ireland is seeking an Advanced Technical Materials Science Sales Associate to drive medium-complexity materials projects from qualification to completion. You will balance technical rigor with commercial acumen, translating customer needs into actionable solutions.

In this hybrid role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams on proposals, pricing, and contract closure while building relationships with customers to grow the business and tackle larger, strategic

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in a STEM subject such as Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry or a related technical discipline.
• Experience within technical sales, solution-based sales, applications engineering, or a commercial role within advanced materials, engineering, or a similar technical B2B environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage opportunities from start to finish, taking ownership of materials-related projects of moderate complexity through to successful completion.
• Interpret customer technical requirements and convert them into practical, deliverable materials solutions.
• Collaborate with technical, sourcing and quality teams to develop and implement the most effective solution.
• Lead commercial activities including proposal preparation, pricing discussions, negotiations and contract closure, with support on the most complex opportunities.
• Continue developing technical and commercial expertise by contributing to larger and more challenging projects.
• Support strategic and high-value materials programmes alongside senior colleagues.
• Work closely with Account Managers, providing both technical insight and commercial support to help grow customer relationships and business opportunities.

Skills

Technical sales

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder coordination

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Advanced Technical Materials Science Sales Associate

Salary: 45,000 - 52,000 plus commission
Hybrid Working: 3-4 Days Per Week in the Office

The Opportunity

As an Associate Materials Solutions Lead, you will work closely with the Materials Solutions Lead to secure and deliver complex, high-value materials projects, while following a defined progression route towards a Lead position.

This role combines technical materials knowledge with strong commercial awareness. You'll take ownership of medium-complexity opportunities from initial qualification through to successful completion, developing a clear understanding of customer requirements, identifying the most suitable materials solution, collaborating with technical and sourcing experts, and driving projects through to a commercial outcome.

This position is ideal for a technically qualified professional looking to bridge the gap between advanced materials expertise and commercial account delivery, while building the skills and experience needed to manage larger and more strategic projects independently.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage opportunities from start to finish, taking ownership of materials-related projects of moderate complexity through to successful completion.
  Interpret customer technical requirements and convert them into practical, deliverable materials solutions.
  Collaborate with technical, sourcing and quality teams to develop and implement the most effective solution.
  Lead commercial activities including proposal preparation, pricing discussions, negotiations and contract closure, with support on the most complex opportunities.
  Continue developing technical and commercial expertise by contributing to larger and more challenging projects.
  Support strategic and high-value materials programmes alongside senior colleagues.
  Work closely with Account Managers, providing both technical insight and commercial support to help grow customer relationships and business opportunities.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Degree qualified in a STEM subject such as Materials Science, Engineering, Chemistry or a related technical discipline.
  Experience within technical sales, solution-based sales, applications engineering, or a commercial role within advanced materials, engineering, or a similar technical B2B environment.
  Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of pricing, profitability and negotiation, alongside a genuine interest in both the commercial and technical aspects of the materials sector.
  Ability to coordinate and work effectively with technical specialists to deliver customer-focused solutions.
  Experience supporting technically complex sales processes and understanding the persistence and pace required to bring opportunities to completion.

Desirable

• Knowledge spanning a variety of material groups, including metals, alloys, ceramics, glass, polymers and composite materials.
  Exposure to microfabrication techniques and/or materials testing and analytical processes.
  Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM platform.
  Experience working with procurement activities or supplier sourcing.
  Previous involvement in the introduction of new systems, tools, technologies or working practices within a team environment.

Benefits

• 22 days annual leave, increasing to 25 days with length of service.
  Private healthcare funded by the company.
  Company pension scheme with employer contributions.
  Critical illness cover and life assurance.
  Company sick pay scheme.
  Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  Free on-site parking and complimentary refreshments.
  Regular social events and team activities throughout the year.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.