Sales Director (ag) - Switzerland / CE

• Lead a focused performance and transformation agenda
• Business-fluency in French, German, and English is required

About Our Client

On behalf of a well-established international industrial group in the specialty steel sector, we are supporting the search for a Sales Director / Head of a Sales Branch to lead and further develop the company's Swiss stainless steel distribution business.
The role combines full P&L responsibility, people leadership, and hands-on commercial execution in a demanding, industrial B2B environment. It is suited for a resilient, pragmatic leader who is willing and able to stretch - personally and through their teams - while operating close to customers and day-to-day operations.
The position is based in Switzerland, with regular customer visits locally and frequent travel to France and Germany.

Job Description

Sales Leadership & Business Development

• Define and execute the sales strategy in line with divisional and group objectives
• Actively manage revenue growth and profitability in a competitive market environment
• Develop and maintain strategic customer relationships, personally involved in key negotiations
• Closely monitor commercial performance and implement concrete action plans where required
• Contribute to strategic initiatives in collaboration with a central Program Office and group stakeholders

Branch Management & Operations

• Overall responsibility for the commercial, logistical, and administrative processes of the branch
• Optimize inventory management and sourcing processes in close cooperation with operations
• Ensure high service quality, delivery reliability, and fulfilment of customer commitments
• Full budget responsibility, including monitoring of KPIs and financial performance
• Ensure implementation of group health & safety standards at branch level

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop an established, experienced sales and administrative team
• Set clear objectives and actively manage individual and team performance
• Recruit, onboard, and coach employees as required
• Foster a demanding but supportive culture, characterized by accountability, cooperation, and engagement

The Successful Applicant

• A higher education degree in engineering, industrial studies, business administration, or a comparable field
• Solid industry experience in steel, metals, or closely related industrial B2B sectors
• Proven experience in sales management and leading a profit center or business unit
• Strong leadership track record, with the ability to challenge, stretch, and steer both yourself and others
• A resilient personality, comfortable operating under pressure and in changing market conditions
• Experience working in a matrix organization (strong advantage)
• A very hands-on mindset: close to customers, teams, and operational realities
• An international outlook and openness to cross-border collaboration
• A career stage that combines energy, learning agility, and leadership maturity - this role is not intended for a late-career profile

Languages: Fluency in French, German, and English is required.

What's on Offer

• A senior leadership role with real operational responsibility and visibility
• High degree of autonomy combined with strong group backing
• A stable industrial environment with long-term orientation
• Competitive compensation, including fixed and variable components, aligned with responsibility and performance
• The opportunity to leave a personal footprint and further grow into broader responsibilities within an international group