International Sales Director

In this position, you will lead Sidem’s ambitious growth plans in the right direction. You will ensure the further
expansion of the commercial activities, both in existing and new markets. You manage an
international team of about 10 employees, including 5 Sales Managers and 4 Customer
Service employees. You are a member of the management team and report to the Owner-CEO.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are responsible for designing, initiating, implementing and monitoring a B2B sales policy, in an international distribution market. You focus on both strategic and operational aspects.
You expand the commercial activities, focusing on both existing and new markets. Special attention is given to countries such as Germany, France, Spain, the United States and Poland.
You are responsible for general pricing strategies, lead negotiations with large customers (distributors, buying groups …) and agree on prices and volumes.
You further develop the communication strategy and the brand image, together with the Marketing Manager. Together you ensure a solid growth in international brand awareness, with attention to co-marketing actions and the rollout of a push and pull strategy.
You ensure an active expansion of collaborations with larger customers. You take the lead and think in terms of opportunities and growth, and bring this entrepreneurial mindset to your team and by extension the entire Sidem organization.
You lead an international team of about 10 employees, including 5 experienced Sales Managers whom you actively coach and assist in important negotiations. You also manage a team of 4 Customer Service employees and take the support and guidance of customers to a higher level.
You analyze the commercial performance and feed your team with figures, arguments and tools. You focus on differentiation and ensure that Sidem’s many assets – such as quality, service and coverage – are fully deployed.
You travel about 25% of your time, mainly to stay in close contact with the Sales Managers, but also to visit larger customers and important prospects.
You are passionate about systems and tools, e.g. for performance measurement or reporting. You ensure further optimizations and embrace digital innovation.
You are a member of the management team and help determine the direction in which Sidem evolves. Your expertise and insights help determine in which regions investments are made, both commercially and operationally. You are also involved in market studies and international acquisition files.

“When a road twists and turns, premium steering and suspension parts prove their worth. And experts know why.”

You combine a Bachelor or Master degree with solid experience in a similar position, and possess the necessary strategic skills to be an active member of a management team.
You are an entrepreneur at heart, with an enthusiastic
You can demonstrate a track record in successfully building an international distribution network, as well as high-level key account management.
You are a strong and diplomatic negotiator, who stands his or her ground.
You are analytical, strong with numbers and steeped in cost management.
You are an excellent people manager, with proven experience in (remote) coaching and motivating international teams.
You are willing to travel 25% of your time.
You speak fluent Dutch, English and French and preferably also German. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
Experience in automotive is a plus, as is an affinity with marketing.

A more than challenging management position, in which you can help build a Belgian global player in automotive.
The opportunity to put Sidem further on the international map, and to lift both your teams and the entire organization to a higher level.
A stable and healthy family business, with the ambition of a thriving multinational.
An attractive salary package, in employment or on a self-employed basis.