Sales Manager

Main Responsibilities & Key Tasks

• Ensure the commercial success of Nonwovens sales activities within the region: manage an existing portfolio and focus on prospecting and new customers database development
• Define and implement regional sales, growth, and product strategies in collaboration with the Sales Leadership Team and Product Management
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, with systematic updates in Customer Connect (CRM)
• Achieve and exceed key performance indicators, including growth, revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Develop deep market insights to guide strategic decisions and customer engagement initiatives
• Represent Ahlstrom at trade shows, industry events, and external organizations to enhance brand visibility and industry positioning
• Lead customer negotiations, ensuring alignment with internal sales processes, contract standards, and commercial policies
• Partner with logistics, technical (R&D, TCS), customer service teams, and production planning to deliver integrated customer solutions and foster profitable growth
• Collaborate with the local Windsor Locks plant to ensure proper inventory management and production planning/forecasting
• Contribute to the annual target-setting and budgeting process alongside Sales Leadership
• Maintain and monitor regional sales performance, provide regular reporting, and initiate corrective actions where needed
• Manage customer financial health, including receivables, payment terms, and credit risk assessments
• Lead and develop a direct report

Specific skills & competencies

• Growth mindset and motivation to develop a high potential geographical area
• Equivalent work experience in paper/nonwovens or similar B2B materials industries is also valued
• Experience in negotiation and communication, with the ability to manage complex commercial engagements
• Problem-solving and organizational skills
• Leadership ability and effective cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficiency in CRM tools and Microsoft Office suite
• Comprehensive understanding of the business environment and end-to-end commercial processes
• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with company goals
• Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to build lasting relationships
• Proficiency in analyzing market trends, sales data, and financial reports to make informed decisions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas clearly and persuasively
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful completion
• Encouraging creative solutions and new approaches to improve sales processes and outcomes
• Willingness to travel extensively (at least 50% of the time)

About Us

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our three divisions, Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Learn more at [insert link here].