Sales Manager

Overview

Be among the first 25 applicants. You have a choice of where you want to work. We invite you on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people by investing in professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth. We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a positive impact on the communities where we do business.

The Sales Manager, reporting to the Head of Sales, Industrial Nonwovens, is responsible for driving the commercial success of Nonwovens products across North America. This role focuses on sales growth, customer relationship management, and executing regional market strategies. The Sales Manager plays a crucial role in expanding Ahlstrom’s market presence and achieving profitability targets.

• Sales and Commercial Management
  • Ensure the commercial success of Nonwovens sales activities within the region.
  • Define and implement regional sales, growth, and product strategies in collaboration with the Sales Leadership Team and Product Management.
  • Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, with systematic updates in Customer Connect (CRM).
  • Achieve and exceed key performance indicators, including growth, revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Market Development and Customer Relations
  • Develop deep market insights to guide strategic decisions and customer engagement initiatives.
  • Represent Ahlstrom at trade shows, industry events, and external organizations to enhance brand visibility and industry positioning.
  • Lead customer negotiations, ensuring alignment with internal sales processes, contract standards, and commercial policies.
• Collaboration and Internal Coordination
  • Partner with logistics, technical (R&D, TCS), customer service teams, and production planning to deliver integrated customer solutions and foster profitable growth.
  • Collaborate with the local Windsor Locks plant to ensure proper inventory management and production planning/forecasting.
  • Contribute to the annual target-setting and budgeting process alongside Sales Leadership.
  • Monitor regional sales performance, provide regular reporting, and initiate corrective actions where needed.
  • Manage customer financial health, including receivables, payment terms, and credit risk assessments.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business
• Minimum 5 years in a sales role with a proven track record of driving growth in B2B business
• Equivalent work experience in paper/nonwovens or similar B2B materials industries is valued
• Strong autonomy and self-drive with a results-oriented mindset
• Expertise in negotiation and communication, with the ability to manage complex commercial engagements
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
• Leadership ability and effective cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficiency in CRM tools, Microsoft Office, and Ahlström internal systems
• Comprehensive understanding of the business environment and end-to-end commercial processes
• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with company goals
• Customer-Centric Approach:
  Focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to build lasting relationships
• Proficiency in analyzing market trends, sales data, and financial reports to make informed decisions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion
• Encouraging creative solutions and new approaches to improve sales processes and outcomes
• Willingness to travel extensively (at least 50% of the time)

Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal opportunity is a sound and just concept to which we are firmly bound. Ahlstrom will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with our company based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non-disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions.

Our net sales in 2024 amounted to EUR 3.0 billion and we employ some 6,800 people.

Learn more at

• Seniority level:
  Mid-Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full-time
• Job function:
  Sales and Business Development
• Industries:
  Paper and Forest Product Manufacturing

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