Sales Manager - Research and Distribution

At VAT, we change the world with vacuum solutions. As the world’s leading supplier of high-performance vacuum valves, we have been driving innovation for more than 60 years. With over 3,200 employees worldwide, we operate from our headquarters in Haag, Switzerland, with manufacturing sites in Switzerland, Malaysia and Romania, as well as sales and service hubs around the world. We are guided by our passions: integrity, teamwork, customer centricity, and innovation — always working together as #oneVAT.

About the role

VAT is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Territory Sales Manager to become an integral part of our US Direct Sales Team. In this role, you will serve as a strategic customer interface, concentrating on our distribution partners and key research-based accounts and stakeholders in the Eastern US, with the primary objective of driving business growth in VAT.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and stakeholders, fostering trust and credibility.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive customer strategy to drive business growth and meet sales targets.
• Identify and analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to provide valuable insights and drive strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Product Management, to deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling VAT products and services, maximizing revenue potential.
• Monitor and track sales performance metrics, providing regular reports and updates to senior management.
• Stay updated with industry developments and trends, maintaining a thorough understanding of the competitive landscape.
• Represent VAT at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings, effectively promoting the company's products and services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; or demonstrated professional experience with vacuum applications or technical sales.
• Proven track record of successfully growing business and developing strategic business relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking abilities, with the capacity to analyze complex problems and propose data-driven solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to understand customer needs and develop tailored strategies to meet their requirements.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a proactive approach to generating revenue and driving sales.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Availability for regular air travel within the USA and occasionally internationally.

Location: Preferably based in Pennsylvania. Candidates must be able to travel to Pittsburgh, PA approximately once per month and should be located within reasonable distance of a major airport.

Benefits

• Join a global leader at the forefront of semiconductor innovation.
• Technologically advanced and innovative working environment with modern laboratory and testing facilities.
• Collaborative, innovative environment that celebrates bold ideas and outstanding execution.
• Opportunity to experience the latest trends and technologies of the semiconductor business and collaborate with a high-end Development Team.
• Transfer your innovative ideas into new products to further strengthen the success of VAT.
• Exceptional working environment with great amenities at our VAT Group offices in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen.
• Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with your expertise and contributions.

Pay

The expected full package salary range for this position is $140,000 – $185,000 annually. Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications, and overall fit.