International Sales & Business Development Manager

Are you passionate about exploring new markets, opening doors that others don’t see, and selling innovative, high-performance solutions?

Senfa Cilander, the leading expert in advanced technical textiles for Marine, Defence … sectors, is looking for an International Sales & Business Development Manager to spearhead our commercial expansion across sectors and borders. Sitting at the crossroads of strategic sales and market development, this role is ideal for someone who thrives in a "hunter" mode, brings technical curiosity, and knows how to turn opportunities into long-term business.

You’ll report directly to the Sales Director and work closely with the leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research and identify new business opportunities: new markets, growth areas, customer segments, products, services, partnerships, or innovative ways of reaching current markets.
• Generate leads and cold-call prospective clients, identifying and contacting decision-makers within organizations.
• Meet with clients, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to present our value proposition.
• Foster and develop long-term relationships to ensure repeat business and uncover new commercial opportunities.
• Understand customer needs and respond with tailored proposals, solutions, and implementation plans.
• Think and act strategically: define business development goals and align commercial actions with broader growth objectives.
• Plan and execute operational changes to enter new markets or improve commercial performance.
• Negotiate and draw up commercial agreements and contracts, coordinating internally as needed.
• Lead or support bid-writing and tendering processes for grants or B2B contracts.
• Develop a strong technical understanding of our products, processes, and applications to advise clients and colleagues effectively.
• Ensure internal alignment: communicate the “why” and “how” of changes, securing buy-in from relevant teams.
• Support and train junior team members, identifying external training needs where relevant.
• Collaborate with marketing to shape promotional strategies, campaigns, and events.
• Liaise with finance, production, warehousing, and logistics to ensure smooth operational execution.
• Continuously look for ways to improve processes, communication, and commercial performance.
• Stay active in the market by attending seminars, conferences, and industry events to build your network and the company's profile.
• Keep up to date with market trends, emerging technologies, customer behaviours, and competitors.

Key Requirements:

• 5+ years of international experience in sales and/or business development in technical textiles, coated materials, or a related industrial B2B sector.
• Proven ability to open new markets and manage complex sales cycles.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with a structured approach to client development.
• Technical curiosity and the ability to understand and communicate complex product details clearly.
• Fluent in English, French (spoken and written - C level); German would be a strong additional asset.
• Experience in the military or marine/naval sectors is a strong plus.

Who You Are:

• A natural hunter who enjoys uncovering new opportunities and turning them into tangible business.
• Resilient, ambitious, and energized by challenges.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Comfortable navigating complex international environments, across cultures, teams, and markets.
• A strong communicator, capable of influencing both internally and externally.