EU Sales Manager
Location: Dublin (some occasional travel)
Reporting to: Commercial Director
About Lankem
Lankem is a rapidly growing specialty chemical manufacturer with a strong focus on surfactants and innovative, sustainable technologies. Our BioLoop surfactants, developed using in‑house plant‑based technology, are designed to match or exceed traditional synthetic performance while meeting increasing global demand for more sustainable formulations. With expanding reach across Europe, we are strengthening our commercial team to support growth in key EU markets.
Role Purpose
The EU Sales Manager will be responsible for managing and developing sales within designated European Union countries. The role combines hands‑on sales order management with active business development, customer relationship management, and market expansion. This position requires a commercially driven individual capable of working closely with customers, distributors, and internal teams to grow revenue and strengthen Lankem’s presence across Europe.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
- Manage and develop sales within allocated EU territories and accounts
- Proactively identify and develop new business opportunities in existing and new EU markets
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors, and agents
- Support pricing, quotations, and contract discussions in line with company strategy
- Contribute to sales forecasts, pipeline management, and market intelligence
Order & Customer Management
- Accurately process sales orders and ensure timely execution
- Act as the primary point of contact for customers regarding order status, deliveries, and documentation
- Coordinate with internal teams to ensure customer requirements are met efficiently and professionally
Export & Logistics Coordination
- Coordinate exports via road, sea, and air freight
- Prepare and manage invoices, packing lists, and export/shipping documentation
- Liaise with freight forwarders and customs agents to ensure compliant and efficient shipments
Commercial & Administrative Support
- Maintain accurate customer, pricing, and order data within internal systems
- Support commercial reporting, sales analysis, and customer reviews
- Ensure high standards of customer service and professional communication at all times
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum of a degree‑level education (Bachelor’s or equivalent)
- Strong commercial mindset with experience in sales, customer management, or business development
- Fluency in English and at least one additional European language (e.g. French, German, Spanish, Italian, or similar)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Confident using business IT systems and Microsoft Office applications
- Willingness to engage with customers across multiple EU countries and cultures
Desirable
- Degree or educational background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
- Experience within the chemical, surfactant, or formulation‑based industries
- Previous experience with export documentation and international trade within the EU
- Exposure to distributor or agent management in European markets
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, self‑motivated, and commercially minded
- Comfortable operating in a small, agile team environment
- Professional, adaptable, and customer‑focused
- Capable of developing long‑term customer partnerships