Sales Manager

VAT Group; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT Group, a global leader in vacuum valves, is seeking an EU Key Account Manager for Scientific Instruments in the Netherlands. You will drive growth by developing strategic OEM relationships and expanding market share while collaborating with cross-functional teams across our global organization.

Reporting to the Head of Sales, Advanced Industries Europe, you will combine commercial expertise with technical understanding of vacuum technology to win specifications and deliver long-term

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Several years of strategic Key Account Management experience in an international B2B or OEM environment.
• Strong vacuum technology knowledge; SEM/TEM experience is a plus.
• Proven commercial and negotiation skills; able to influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management in a global matrix.
• Fluent English; Dutch preferred; German a plus.
• Willingness to travel within the Netherlands and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop key Scientific Instruments OEM accounts in the Netherlands, building relationships from engineering teams to senior management.
• Define and execute strategic account plans with growth objectives and customer development strategies.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities, expand market share, and achieve specification wins.
• Develop customer and system roadmaps with Field Application Engineers, Product Managers, and Business Unit teams.
• Lead commercial activities, including pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and customer agreements.
• Coordinate customer-specific projects and act as the primary interface between customers and VAT's global organization.
• Prepare accurate sales forecasts, monitor account performance, and analyze market trends and competitor activities.
• Collaborate across regions, functions, and business units to ensure effective customer support and promote a ONE VAT culture.

Skills

Strategic account management

Negotiation

Relationship building

Business acumen

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering/Physics/Business Admin

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

Location

Location: Utrecht, NL

Employment Type: Permanent

About VAT Group

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation – always working together as #oneVAT.

Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, international team where your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your career growth is supported.

EU Key Account Manager – Scientific Instruments, Netherlands (100%)

Purpose of the Role

As a Key Account Manager for Scientific Instruments in the Netherlands, you will drive business growth and develop strategic relationships with key OEM customers and selected focus accounts. Reporting to the Head of Sales, Advanced Industries Europe, you will combine commercial expertise with technical understanding to strengthen customer partnerships, expand market share, and create long-term business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop key Scientific Instruments OEM accounts and selected focus customers in the Netherlands, building strong relationships from engineering teams to senior management.


• Define and execute strategic account plans, including growth initiatives, business objectives, and customer development strategies.


• Identify and secure new business opportunities, expand market share, and achieve specification wins for future customer platforms.


• Develop customer and system roadmaps in collaboration with Field Application Engineers, Product Managers, and Business Unit teams.


• Lead commercial activities, including pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and customer agreements.


• Coordinate customer-specific projects and act as the primary interface between customers and VAT's global organization.


• Prepare accurate sales forecasts, monitor account performance, and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer developments to identify growth opportunities.


• Collaborate across regions, functions, and business units to ensure effective customer support and promote a ONE VAT culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.


• Several years of proven experience in strategic Key Account Management within an international B2B or OEM environment.


• Strong understanding of vacuum technology, vacuum systems, or related high-technology industries; experience with Scientific Instruments applications such as SEM or TEM is an advantage.


• Proven commercial and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at senior management and executive levels.


• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with demonstrated success in developing accounts and driving sustainable business growth.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively in a global matrix organization.


• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft 365 applications; fluent written and spoken English, with Dutch strongly preferred and German considered an advantage.


• Proactive, customer-focused, and results-driven mindset, with a strong sense of ownership and willingness to travel within the Netherlands, periodically to Switzerland, and internationally as required.

Our commitment to inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities

We believe in meaningful careers, continuous learning, and equal opportunities for everyone to drive our innovation and success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. If you have concerns, our compliance channel is available at our website. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and in accordance with our Code of Conduct.