What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Area Sales Manager, Specialty Gases position at Balchem?
The International Area Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth of Balchem NV's packaged specialty gases business across assigned international markets. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and is accountable for developing market strategies, expanding customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and ensuring excellent customer service through close collaboration with operations and support functions.
Key Responsibilities
Drive sales growth, profitability, and volume within assigned international territories.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities through proactive prospecting and market research.
Develop and manage relationships with existing customers and key accounts.
Negotiate commercial agreements and define contractual terms within established company guidelines.
Provide frontline technical and commercial support to customers.
Develop and implement market strategies to expand and optimize the specialty gases business.
Coordinate customer visits and site visits to the Grimbergen facility in collaboration with operations colleagues.
Prepare and maintain customer visit reports and other commercial activity reports.
Identify and implement improvements and corrective actions to enhance departmental performance in both the short and long term.
Work closely with Accounting, Operations, Logistics, SHEQ, and other support functions in Belgium and the United States to ensure high levels of customer service.
Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process together with the commercial team.
Provide guidance and support to Sales Assistants to ensure efficient execution of commercial activities.
Represent Balchem at industry events, trade fairs, and networking activities when appropriate.
Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience, with at least 10 years of experience in a comparable commercial role within the industrial gases, chemicals, or broader industrial sector.
Fluency in Dutch and English; proficiency in German is highly desirable.
Strong understanding of international business practices and commercial operations.
Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Strong customer orientation with the ability to build long-term relationships and trust.
Eager to learn and develop within a technical and industrial environment.
Collaborative team player who works effectively across functions and cultures.
Proactive, results-oriented, and persistent in achieving business objectives.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
Self-motivated individual who can initiate change, influence others, and drive results.
Hands-on approach with the ability to combine strategic thinking and practical execution.
Willingness and flexibility to travel internationally as required.
Open-minded, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic international environment.
Sound business judgment, professionalism, and integrity.
Ability to work independently while maintaining strong alignment with organizational goals.