Senior European Account Manager - Composites

The Lubrizol Corporation; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global chemical company is seeking a European Account Manager for Composites to drive sales growth in thermoset and thermoplastic sectors. This role involves strategic client management, market analysis, and collaboration with internal teams. The ideal candidate has 7-10 years of sales experience in the composites industry and a strong technical background. The position requires extensive travel across Europe and fluency in English, with knowledge of additional European languages being a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7-10 years experience in sales or account management in the composites industry.
• Proven knowledge of thermosets and thermoplastics.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in an additional European language preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies for composite products in European markets.
• Manage key accounts, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Conduct market analysis for identifying new business opportunities.
• Build relationships with clients through site visits and consultations.
• Negotiate contracts and pricing for optimal profitability.
• Represent the company at industry events.

Skills

Sales acumen

Market analysis

Client relationship management

Technical consultation

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or related field

Advanced degree (MSc or PhD)

Tools

CRM tools

Job description

Overview

As the European Account Manager for Composites, you will be responsible for managing key accounts and driving sales growth in the thermoset and thermoplastic composites sector. This role demands an industry expert with deep, hands-on knowledge of the European composites market, including regulatory landscapes, supply chains, and emerging trends within the industry. You will serve as a strategic advisor to clients, leveraging your expertise to identify opportunities, foster long-term relationships, and achieve revenue targets. On top of this you will be working within the Global composites team building strategy and future roadmaps for the sector. The ideal candidate is a proactive sales professional with a technical background, capable of navigating complex B2B environments and contributing to product development insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sales strategies to drive significant growth for thermoset and thermoplastic composite products across European markets.
• Manage a portfolio of key accounts, including major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify new business opportunities, track competitor activities, and stay ahead of trends in the European composites industry, such as sustainability initiatives (e.g., recyclable thermoplastics) and regulatory compliance (e.g., REACH and EASA standards).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients through regular site visits, technical consultations, and presentations on thermoset (e.g., curing processes, resin systems) and thermoplastic (e.g., injection molding, fiber reinforcement) applications.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including R&D, product management, and supply chain, to provide market feedback and support the development of customized solutions tailored to European customer needs.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms to optimize profitability while addressing client requirements for performance, cost, and environmental impact.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows (e.g., JEC World, Composites Europe), and conferences to network and promote our thermoset and thermoplastic offerings.
• Prepare detailed sales reports, forecasts, and CRM updates to inform senior leadership on market dynamics and performance metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MSc or PhD) preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in sales or account management within the composites industry, with a proven track record in thermosets (e.g., epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) and thermoplastics (e.g., PEEK, PPS, PA).
• Exceptional knowledge and understanding of the European composites market, including key players, supply chain challenges, end-user applications, and regional variations (e.g., strong aerospace focus in France/UK, automotive in Germany).
• Demonstrated expertise as an industry thought leader, with the ability to advise on technical specifications, manufacturing techniques (e.g., autoclave curing, thermoplastic welding), and regulatory requirements.
• Strong sales acumen, including formal training in sales techniques, negotiation, and key account management; experience with CRM tools is essential.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with fluency in English; proficiency in at least one additional European language (e.g., German, French, Italian) is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel extensively (60%) across Europe.
• Self-motivated, result-oriented, and able to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Personal Attributes

• A passion for sustainability and customer-centric solutions.
• Relationship-driven, with a talent for building trust and long-term partnerships.
• Be a champion for Lubrizol values and standards, become a "Brand Ambassador".
• Results-oriented, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and opportunity creation.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to navigate complex markets and regulatory environments.