G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with OEM customers worldwide to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications, often for deployment in harsh environments. Our products are based on six core technologies: acousto, crystal, electro, fiber and precision optics, and optical systems.

We are currently recruiting for a Sales Director in Germany. This role is for technical sales to develop business at key customer accounts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands and Belgium. Working alongside the regional sales & business development managers and acting as both the technical and commercial liaison between the customer and site engineering/manufacturing teams. This role requires a combination of both applications engineering knowledge and commercial acumen as they relate to the G&H product portfolio. As such the successful applicant will be responsible for identifying and nurturing opportunities to win and grow company sales in Europe.

Responsibilities include; 

• Be a primary contact for customers. Provide presentations, RFQ responses and liaise with key customer technical staff and decision makers to facilitate sales
• Provide high level technical sales and application understanding in support of sales & business development managers
• Understand business and application requirements & how these translate into technical product specifications and provide suitable sales responses to the customer
• Enable and drive identified opportunities through G&H’s gate process to a win
• Work with product management to identify market needs, competitive pricing, lead times and margin models for existing or new products
• Identify target customers for G&H and assist with development of formal sales plans and proposals for assigned opportunities
• Own technical liaison & process for customer pre/post-sales support items & issues
• Effectively use G&Hs SalesForce CRM to track opportunities and provide unit and revenue forecasting data to product management & manufacturing
• Perform in-depth and high-level presentations and demonstrations for G&H at customers and conferences in Europe

 Ideal candidates will have the following; 

• BSc or MSc in Physics, Materials Science, Mathematics or Engineering (Optics/Electronics)
• MBA / Business Degree (or equivalent) preferred
• 5 years technical sales, product marketing or applications experience in photonics 
• Strong understanding of photonics, semiconductor, life science, aerospace and laser applications/markets
• Essential – knowledge of the following areas would be beneficial: lasers, optics crystal optics, electro-optics, acousto-optics as well as experience in the manufacture and coating of optical components such as lenses, windows, prisms and birefringent elements
• Preferred – experience in project management, negotiation and relationship management
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of business decisions
• Strong writing & language skills, with the capability of writing customer reports as required, as well as experience of presenting technical data
• Willingness to travel to all G&H sites and customer locations (Up to 30% of the time)