Sales Manager Soda Ash

Solvay is all about chemistry. We're not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet's beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

Our Soda Ash Global Sales team, composed of 17 people, is integrated in the Solvay Soda Ash & Derivatives Global Business Unit and focuses on driving profitable sales and market share growth for our soda ash products in collaboration with Supply Chain, Technical Marketing, and global production sites.

As a Sales Manager Soda Ash - Middle East, you will work on developing and executing the regional sales strategy, managing key customer and distributor relationships, and interpreting market dynamics to support Solvay's revenue growth and strategic positioning in the Middle East soda ash market. You will get the opportunity to contribute to Solvay's legacy in the chemicals industry and have a positive impact on sustainable business growth in a vital region. You will be accountable for:

• Develop and implement a robust sales strategy for the Middle East region to drive revenue growth and optimize the portfolio of soda ash customers.
• Skillfully negotiate contracts and commercial agreements with key customers and distribution partners, ensuring favorable terms for Solvay.
• Manage and cultivate long-term relationships with our existing network of distributors, while actively identifying and converting new business opportunities.
• Analyze and interpret market trends, competitive intelligence, and trade statistics to develop accurate sales forecasts and strategic market insights.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams including supply chain and technical marketing to ensure customer satisfaction and seamless operational execution.
• Prepare detailed sales reports and business reviews for management, highlighting performance against targets and providing strategic recommendations.

We offer a permanent contract based on a travel working mode, with the candidate located in Brussels (Belgium), or any other Solvay EU location might be considered. The function reports to the Commercial Director Soda Ash for Middle East & Africa. Travel regularly to the Middle East to meet with clients, partners, and attend industry events to maintain a strong market presence.

About you

Relevant education degree or equivalent in Business, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Relevant work experience in Sales Management or Commodity Chemical Sales with a focus on distributor management.

Competencies:

• Proven track record of success as a Sales Manager or similar role in the chemical industry, with specific experience in commodity sales like soda ash.
• Extensive experience working with and managing sales through distributors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to effectively use and interpret trade statistics and market data.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is a significant advantage.

Behaviors:

• Demonstrated ability as a skilled negotiator, with a strong commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently to the Middle East.
• Driven and strategic sales professional with a passion for building successful business relationships.

About the pay

Attractive and equitable pay for all: compensation is determined within a range to foster your development in the role. The base pay expected for this role is € 95,000 - € 105,000 per year in Belgium

Your salary may ultimately be higher or lower based on your skills and experience. Additionally, we provide a competitive total rewards package that includes a bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits:

• Solvay Cares program: minimum of 16 weeks of parenting leave for all employees and package with healthcare, disability and life insurance coverage.
• Prioritization of well-being: work-life balance promotion, flexible approach to work part-time or hybrid work arrangements (depending on the type of job), employee assistance program with access to physical and psychological support.
• Professional development: prioritization of internal talents for career progression, access to a training platform, opportunities to join Employee Resource Groups (ERG) for experience sharing and mentorship and free language courses.

About us

• Solvay, a pioneering chemical company with a legacy rooted in founder Ernest Solvay's pivotal innovations in the soda ash process, is dedicated to delivering essential solutions globally through its workforce of over 9,000 employees. Since 1863, Solvay harnesses the power of chemistry to create innovative, sustainable solutions that answer the world's most essential needs such as purifying the air we breathe and the water we drink, preserving our food supplies, protecting our health and well-being, creating eco-friendly clothing, making the tires of our cars more sustainable and cleaning and protecting our homes. As a world-leading company with €4.7 billion in net sales in 2024 and listings on Euronext Brussels and Paris (SOLB), its unwavering commitment drives the transition to a carbon-neutral future by 2050, underscoring its dedication to sustainability and a fair and just transition.
• At Solvay, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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