Technical Sales Associate

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing chemicals distributor is seeking a dynamic business development professional with a strong chemistry background. The role involves nurturing customer relationships and identifying commercial opportunities across sectors including UV-curing, food, and pharmaceuticals. This position offers the chance to be part of a rapidly expanding business within an entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Chemistry or related field is essential.
• Strong business acumen and negotiation skills required.
• Ability to conduct market analysis.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the UK and EU.
• Build and maintain customer relationships, addressing inquiries.
• Conduct market research to identify growth areas.

Skills

Business acumen

Market analysis

Communication

Negotiation

Technical proficiency in Chemistry

Education

Degree in Chemistry or related science (BSc/MSc)

Masters/PhD in Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM software

ERP software

Job description

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Salary: £30-45k+ (base, depending on experience), plus performance & commission-based bonuses

Reports to: Managing Director

About Anstar:

Founded in 2018, Anstar is a dynamic, rapidly growing startup speciality chemicals distributor headquartered in Leeds, UK. With deep cultural and commercial expertise, we serve as a trusted bridge between Eastern manufacturers and global markets. We have quickly established ourselves as leaders in the UV-curing sector, achieving significant market share in Photoinitiators. Our agile, lean structure prioritises transparency, openness, and a customer-first approach, driven by ambitious, high-potential individuals.

Backed by a robust global supply chain, European warehousing, and local support, Anstar provides high-quality chemical products with unmatched efficiency. We continually build on our core strengths and explore new market opportunities aligned with our expertise.

Highlights:

• We are committed to sustainable business practices, including the supply of bio-sourced raw materials, aiming for long-term success while minimising environmental impact
• Technical excellence is a priority; all our sales personnel possess a strong technical (Chemistry) background, enabling us to offer full-breadth service
• We embrace a 'Technology First' approach, utilising cutting-edge software and automation to drive efficiency and scalable growth

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an ambitious individual with a strong chemistry background, sharp commercial acumen, and adept critical thinking abilities to support our growth across our established UV-curing business, and our emerging venture into food, animal feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This role offers a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with the opportunity to nurture existing customer relationships, drive new commercial opportunities, and play a pivotal role in expanding a new business unit.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support Anstar with its strategy to develop both our EMEA UV-curing and the new Nutraceuticals business units
• Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities, cultivate relationships with potential clients, and negotiate contracts to secure new accounts in the UK and EU
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers, understanding their technical and commercial needs, addressing inquiries, and providing exceptional service
• Stay ahead of industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities. Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential growth areas, customer demands, and emerging opportunities
• Track sales performance against targets, analyse key metrics, and prepare regular reports and forecasts
• Produce company presentations and assist in presenting to potential and current customers
• Act as a brand ambassador at industry events, trade shows, and conferences, representing the company professionally, networking with key stakeholders, and promoting the company's products and services
• Continuously evaluate and improve sales processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction

Essential requirements for the role:

• You have a Chemistry or (related science) degree (BSc/ MSc from a reputable university) and are technically proficient in this area
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to conduct market analysis and contribute to sales planning
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and have high interpersonal competence and negotiation abilities
• Proficient in creating and delivering client-ready presentations
• You are able to work independently under remote management (e.g., WFH)
• Highly proficient with standard business technology (laptops, phones) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)

Advantageous/desirable section

• Direct experience in B2B technical sales, with a proven track record and technical background in (speciality) chemical industries
• Masters/ PhD in Chemistry
• Proficiency with CRM and ERP software

The interview process will consist of an initial phone call, followed by 3 interview rounds.

Equal Opportunity: Anstar is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Website: www.anstar.com

HQ: Airedale House, 423 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2EW, UK

Founder & Managing Director: Dr Liangyu Hawkes

We look forward to welcoming talented individuals into our dynamic team.