Sales Director – Materials Testing Services

The Sales Director – Materials Testing Services is responsible for leading the commercial growth strategy for our materials testing business across Europe. This role drives revenue growth, market expansion, and customer retention by promoting SGS's comprehensive portfolio of materials characterization, metallurgical testing, chemical analysis, failure analysis, mechanical testing, and laboratory services.

he Sales Director provides leadership to the sales organization while partnering with laboratory operations, technical experts, and executive leadership to deliver industry-leading solutions to customers across aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, energy, medical device, and consumer product sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve annual revenue, profitability, and market share objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of sales managers, business development managers, and account executives.
• Establish sales targets, KPIs, and forecasting processes to ensure consistent business growth.
• Drive pipeline development and opportunity management through effective CRM utilization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and execute growth initiatives.

Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities across key industries including aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, energy, medical devices, and advanced materials.
• Promote our testing capabilities, including:
• Mechanical Testing
• Metallurgical Analysis
• Chemical Testing
• Failure Analysis
• Corrosion and Environmental Testing
• Product Qualification Testing
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
• Laboratory Accreditation and Compliance Support
• Lead major proposal development, pricing strategies, and contract negotiations.
• Develop strategic account plans for key customers and target accounts.

Strategic Account Management

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with customers and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary commercial leader for major accounts and enterprise agreements.
• Identify opportunities for cross-selling our testing, inspection, certification, and auditing services.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through proactive engagement and issue resolution.
• Drive customer retention and long-term partnership growth.

Market & Industry Development

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and competitive activity.
• Identify opportunities for expansion into new markets and service offerings.
• Represent SGS at industry conferences, trade associations, customer events, and technical seminars.
• Work closely with marketing to develop industry-focused campaigns and thought leadership initiatives.

QualificationsEducation

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Business, or a related discipline.
• MBA preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive sales experience within materials testing, TIC, laboratory services, engineering services, or related technical industries.
• Minimum 5 years of sales leadership experience with responsibility for revenue growth and team management.
• Demonstrated success selling complex technical and laboratory service solutions.
• Proven experience managing strategic accounts and multi-million-dollar revenue portfolios.