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 centre 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