Sales Director Beverage EMEA

Sales Director Beverage EMEA

As Sales Director Beverage EMEA, you will be the commercial engine driving the long-term growth and profitability of PPG's beverage packaging coatings business across the EMEA region. You will own and execute a commercial strategy that spans key account management, team leadership, pricing excellence, and innovation partnership.

This is a high-impact leadership role that sits at the intersection of strategy, sales execution, and cross-functional collaboration. You will report directly to the EMEA General Manager for Packaging and play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the business. The selected candidate can be home-based in any location in Europe and will travel +50% of working time to meet with customers and brand owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive EMEA sales strategy for the beverage segment, targeting consistent above-market revenue growth year-over-year
• Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and customer dynamics to continuously refine go-to-market strategies
• Lead the development of multi-year account plans that align customer needs with PPG's strategic objectives
• Serve as the commercial bridge between customers and PPG's R&D teams, translating market needs into innovation priorities
• Lead high-stakes commercial negotiations, contract renewals, and strategic business review
• Work closely with Marketing, Technical Service, Supply Chain, Finance, and R&D to ensure seamless customer experience and business delivery
• Lead pricing initiatives including list price management, surcharge strategies, and contract negotiations
• Drive expansion into underpenetrated markets and geographies within the EMEA region
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities across existing and prospective accounts
• Lead, coach, and inspire a dedicated team of Sales Managers across the EMEA region
• Develop and maintain long-term customer partnerships that create mutual value and competitive stickiness

Requirements

• Educational background in Business, Economics or a related field
• 10+ years direct sales experience, preferably with industrial manufacturing customers & large accounts
• Experience growing a "top of mind" brand and demonstrated the ability to influence, drive consensus, build trust/respect, and be sensitive to a variety of viewpoints
• An entrepreneurial skill with a focus on results and possess the ability to facilitate PPG's short- and long-term strategies and execute against a strategic plan
• Strong communication skills and humbled confidence to gain the respect of internal and external constituencies are required
• A track record of attracting and retaining talented people and demonstrated success in working in cross cultural businesses and experience with global or regional enterprises
• X-country travel +50%