European Sales Director

Mercury Hampton Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global materials company is seeking an experienced European Sales Director to manage operations across Europe, driving growth in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. This role involves leading a sales team, exceeding targets, and ensuring strategic alignment with senior management. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree and significant experience in similar environments, along with strong interpersonal and strategic skills. Extensive travel is required, making this an exciting opportunity for career advancement.

Benefits

Extensive travel opportunities

Collaborative and innovative environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years’ proven management experience leading teams of up to 10 people.
• Exposure to specialised sectors such as Motorsport, Medical, Oil & Gas, or Power Distribution is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the European Sales Team.
• Achieve and surpass annual sales targets for the region.
• Create and execute annual sales budgets in partnership with senior management.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal skills

Sales leadership

Technical knowledge in magnetics or aerospace

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering or equivalent

Job description

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European Sales Director – Join a Global Leader in Advanced Materials

Are you a visionary sales leader with a passion for cutting-edge technology and international growth? We are seeking an accomplished European Sales Director to spearhead our commercial operations across Europe, driving strategic expansion in the aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors.

About the Opportunity

As a pivotal member of our leadership team, you’ll manage all sales activities in the European region, shaping future strategy while ensuring we meet and exceed annual targets. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally and report directly to the VP Sales & Marketing, supporting world-class manufacturing facilities and guiding a dynamic sales force. This high-impact leadership role offers significant autonomy and the chance to influence commercial outcomes on a global scale.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the European Sales Team, managing both inside and outside sales professionals.
• Achieve and surpass annual sales targets for the region.
• Create, align, and execute annual sales budgets in partnership with senior management.
• Provide monthly progress updates and insights to executive leadership.
• Cultivate strong relationships with customers through regular travel (approx. 40%, occasionally up to 75%) for meetings, customer visits, and industry events.
• Support ongoing operations at facilities in Europe, with occasional global initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Technical knowledge of rotating electrical machinery, magnetics, or thin metal technologies—ideally within aerospace, defense, or closely related industries.
• Strategic thinker, comfortable in both sales and business development environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; confident interfacing at all organizational levels and communicating compelling value propositions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong sense of creativity and a drive for market leadership.

What Sets You Apart

• 10+ years’ experience in manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years’ proven management experience leading teams of up to 10 people.
• Exposure to specialised sectors such as Motorsport, Medical, Oil & Gas, or Power Distribution is a plus.

Why Join Us?

We offer a collaborative and innovative environment where your strategic input will directly impact business success. You’ll enjoy a varied role, extensive travel opportunities, and the chance to further your career in a global company at the forefront of advanced materials technology.