Surface Measurement Systems is a world leader in advanced sorption analysis instrumentation for the characterization of materials. Our innovative solutions are used globally by industrial and academic institutions for cutting-edge research in porous materials, pharmaceuticals, polymers, and more. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Sales Manager to join our team and drive sales growth in the Chinese market with a new sales team you will be building.

Senior Sales Manager - China - Role Summary:

The Senior Sales Manager will be responsible for expanding Surface Measurement Systems’ presence in China by driving sales of our scientific capital equipment to both industrial and academic clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, significant sales experience in the region, and a network within the porous materials or materials characterization industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Leadership: Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to achieve revenue targets in China.
• Market Development: Identify, build and cultivate new business opportunities across industrial and academic sectors to build a pipeline, focusing on the porous materials and physicochemical characterization markets.
• Account Management: Maintain and expand relationships with existing clients, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.
• Networking: Leverage existing contacts and build strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders in target industries.
• Technical Expertise: Effectively communicate the technical and scientific value of Surface Measurement Systems’ instruments to clients, providing tailored solutions that meet their research needs. Facilitate the completion of bids and tenders with academic and public institutions.
• Market Intelligence: Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs in the region, providing feedback to internal teams for product and marketing strategies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the global sales team, technical support, and marketing to deliver coordinated efforts in achieving business goals.
• Reporting: Prepare regular sales forecasts, pipeline updates, and market reports for senior management; as well as keeping CRM up to date with activity logging.

Communication Skills

Customer-oriented

Independent working

Market Knowledge

Scientific Expertise

Required Skills

• Strong scientific skills, especially in porous materials, general materials characterisation or surface science
  
• Excellent communications skills including writing and speaking (Mandarin and English)
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work together with customers with a win-win mentality
  
• Customer orientated with good instinct for new business opportunities
  
• Proven ability to positively influence buying decisions of end users and decision makers
• Ability to develop and deliver credible technical presentations

Required Skills

• Scientific understanding of material characterisation, measurement products or related scientific equipment  
• Good organisation and ability to work autonomously  
• Ability to recruit new sales staff to build a sale team for China  
• Willingness to travel extensively within China and occasionally internationally
  
• Experience & understanding of health and safety management systems
• Windows® Window 10® or later and Microsoft Office
  

Background/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical or Materials Engineering (advanced degree preferred)
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of proven sales success in the scientific capital equipment industry, specifically in China  
• Technical Background: Familiarity with physicochemical and materials characterization techniques and applications, particularly in sorption analysis, porous materials, thermal materials characterization or related fields. Regional expertise with in-depth understanding of China’s industrial and academic landscape  
• Industry Knowledge: Established network within the porous materials industry or materials characterization sector, with connections in industrial and academic institutions
  
• Fluent in Mandarin and English