External Sales Manager Crane & Industrial

Bekaert Corporation; Grangemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global steel solutions provider is looking for an External Sales Manager in Grangemouth, UK, to enhance business growth in the Crane & Industrial segment. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in steel ropes, proven success in complex sales, and proficiency in data analytics. Responsibilities include developing sales strategies, managing customer relationships, and working collaboratively across teams to drive sales and market expansion. This role invites you to contribute to innovative solutions and sustainable practices in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Diversity celebration

Opportunities for personal growth

Qualifications

• Strong technical grasp of ropes and industrial lifting applications.
• Experience in industrial product sales, especially cranes or lifting solutions.
• Proven record in leading sales processes across multiple countries.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies for Crane & Industrial.
• Expand market share and maintain customer relationships.
• Collaborate across teams on product management and marketing.

Skills

Technical understanding of ropes

Managing complex sales cycles

Data analytics tools proficiency

Strong communication skills

Entrepreneurial spirit

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Excel

CRM systems

Job description

External Sales Manager Crane & Industrial

Location: Zwevegem, BE; Neptune Quay, GB; Wetteren, BE; Aalter, BE; Grangemouth, GB; Hamme, BE; Doncaster, GB; Assen, NL; Brussels, BE; Erembodegem, BE; Coatbridge, GB; Deerlijk, BE; Bradford, GB; Willington Quay, GB; Moen, BE; Antwerpen, BE

Company: Bekaert NV

Be part of something bigger!

As the world and the way people live is changing, we at Bekaert believe it’s our responsibility to contribute to finding new solutions for the future. With a 140+ year old heritage of excellence, innovation, and a future-focused mindset, we strive to create value for our customers and society. We aim to do this through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of steel wire transformation and coatings whilst also leveraging our expertise to develop innovative solutions with new materials and services in a safe, smart, and sustainable way. Our focus extends to markets such as new mobility, low‑carbon construction, and green energy.

As a dynamic and growing company with over 24 000 employees worldwide, 75 nationalities, a retention rate above 90% and almost €5.3 billion in combined revenue in 2023, we are looking for someone like you to join our team as we continue to shape a safer, more efficient, and connected world!

Purpose and Mission

We are seeking a highly motivated External Sales Manager to drive business growth in the Crane & Industrial segment across the European region. This role focuses on developing strong customer relationships, expanding market share, and leveraging data analytics to create actionable insights for sales strategies, pricing, and market development. The ideal candidate combines strong technical and commercial expertise in steel ropes and lifting solutions with a solid background in data‑driven decision‑making.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Sales & Business Development

• Develop and execute sales strategies to grow Crane & Industrial business in the European region.
• Identify new business opportunities and expand relationships with distributors and end‑users.
• Negotiate and close contracts with customers, ensuring profitability and long‑term value.
• Provide technical expertise and tailored solutions to meet customer needs in the steel ropes sector.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong customer partnership, positioning the company as a trusted advisor.
• Regularly visit customers across Europe, ensuring local presence and responsiveness.
• Gather customer feedback to shape product development and service improvements.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal stakeholders including product management, R&D, supply chain, and finance.
• Align with global strategy while tailoring initiatives to the specific dynamics of the European markets.
• Support marketing campaigns, trade shows, and technical seminars to promote brand visibility.

Data Analytics & Market Intelligence

• Utilize data analytics to assess sales performance, pricing strategies, and customer segmentation.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and product demand to guide decision‑making.
• Translate data insights into actionable sales plans, forecasts, and KPIs.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools in collaboration with the sales operations and BI teams.
• Drive a culture of data‑driven selling within the regional sales organization.

Skills

• Strong technical understanding of ropes and lifting applications in industrial environments.
• Proven success in managing complex sales cycles across multiple countries/markets.
• Advanced proficiency in data analytics tools (Power BI, Excel, CRM systems).
• Ability to translate data insights into clear sales actions and strategic recommendations.
• Strong communication skills and interpersonal abilities.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive, results‑oriented mindset.
• High level of drive, motivation, and self‑confidence.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Previous Experience

• Early‑career professionals with initial experience in industrial product sales, preferably in cranes, lifting solutions, or steel ropes.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Be bold and take the leap!

We’re looking for individuals who are not afraid to take risks and explore new ideas. If you are passionate about personal growth and bringing your authentic self to work, we want you on our team! At Bekaert, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. To learn more about us and our exciting career opportunities, visit Bekaert Careers.

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