National Cement & Grinding Aids Manager – UK & Ireland

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 27,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 9.3 billion in 2021.

To lead the commercial challenge to progress sales of Sika Concrete Cement & grinding aids business to drive growth in terms of volume, margin, profit and market share. To constantly improve the company’s competitive position through Cement Additives and all Cement Technologies, Grinding and Quality Improving Additives. Supports focus technologies and products in adherence with the regional objectives. Work with Research & Development to develop new and state-of-the-art products to meet the demands

The Opportunity:

• To promote a full range of products to the cement customer base and ensure that targets for revenue and gross margin are met.
• To work with Key Accounts in the Cement market and develop new major accounts.
• Define market size and analyse new sales opportunities.
• Assist with new product development and support the Product / R&D team in creating innovative solutions incorporating industry and technological grinding aid/performance enhancer advances.
• To create and implement an effective strategy and roadmap for the Cement market incorporating existing and new products.
• To arrange for trials to verify performance and that they are completed to prove to the client that their use is suitable for the proposed application.
• Consultations, Cement studies and factory support, product selection and optimisation, training, projects, troubleshooting, Complaint management, managing customer expectations, presentations, sales support.
• Identify and create a pipeline of commercial opportunities to secure a long-term work- bank/pipeline for Sika Cement additives including exploring untapped markets to assist growth strategies.
• Assist with cement additive product testing and bench marking Including application development.
• Conduct or attend a variety of sales-related activities such as CPDs, tradeshows, and those associated with other industry bodies to progress Cement additive sales including becoming a member of a trade body.

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

• EV/PHEV Company Car Fleet or Car Cash Allowance
• Bonus Scheme
• Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid Working
• Core Hours Working
• A company pension contribution of up to 10%
• Private healthcare for you, with option to add family.
• Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
• Global Income Protection (PHI)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme.
• Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones.
• Selected discounted Sika products.

The Support:

You will have the opportunity to work alongside the existing team across the UK.  This is a diverse group with a range of experience and a commitment to improving customer and technical support. Our people and teams are our most important asset, and we will continue to ensure that the contribution of every individual is made to count and valued accordingly.

You will be provided with a detailed induction plan, receiving one-to-one training, and then be given the opportunity to increase autonomy in line with self-development.  We are committed to professional and personal development.

The Skills:

• Construction materials and application techniques
• Understands the specification process and the roles of all stakeholder types
• Understands the marketplace and key contractors.
• Time management - prioritising, organisation, decision making.
• Negotiation / influencing
• Good communicator (accessible, open and direct style),
• Resilience and composure
• Enthusiasm / self-starter
• Integrity and ethical practices

A significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one, including a comprehensive local, product knowledge and leadership development initiatives complimented by a global Sika Business School offering.

The Future:  

The position of National Cement & Grinding Aids UK & Ireland is a full-time permanent position. Further progression within Target Market Concrete and the other business units within Sika UK may be possible to on multiple levels.

There is also the opportunity to progress within Sika global company across a variety of business areas.

Commitment towards Diversity

We welcome expressions of interest from all eligible applicants. The Construction Industry and the Sika salesforce remain disproportionately under-represented by women and we therefore particularly welcome applications from women interested in a sales career in the building supplies and materials industry. Accordingly, we aim to provide an enabling and inclusive working environment for all.