JOB PROFILE: SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER

HR BLOGDecember 17, 2024
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At Dolder Group, we supply raw materials, plastic granulates, and additives to the chemical, plastics, and rubber industries. We also offer smart solutions for construction and environmental applications. As a distributor, we bridge the gap between producers and end users — sourcing materials from suppliers and delivering them to our customers.

A key role in this process is the Sales & Product Manager — a position that’s both central to our success and rich in variety.

OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE ADDED VALUE

At Dolder Group, a Sales & Product Manager’s goal is to add value to the producers of the raw material, tSales & Product Managers at Dolder aim to bring value to all sides of the equation — to our suppliers, our customers, and to Dolder itself. This is achieved through a combination of strong consulting, technical know-how, and business acumen. The role includes:

  • Building and maintaining long-term, transparent business relationships
  • Continuously expanding product and industry knowledge
  • Supporting customers with application development and on-site technical advice
  • Leading marketing initiatives such as trade fairs and workshops
  • Expanding our product portfolio proactively
  • Contributing to team, business unit, and company-wide initiatives
  • Fostering a positive, collaborative company culture

That’s the formal description. But what does the job really look like in practice? To find out, we turned to our Sales & Product Managers themselves.

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT WORKING AS A SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER AT DOLDER?

Every Dolder employee will tell you — it’s the people and the culture that make us unique. As one colleague shared:

“There are so many special things, colleagues, the spirit that unites us, the willingness to always be present for each other, the feeling of being a group, the enthusiasm with which we accept new challenges, the respect with which we treat each other.”

Beyond the team spirit, what stands out is the breadth of the role:

“You are multitask managing everything from the beginning to the end of a project. Prospecting, launching new products, marketing… not only being a pure sales manager.”

This broad scope creates deeper customer connections and a strong sense of ownership:

“You have a very close customer relationship.”

“High quality products in the portfolio which are well known by the customers.”

“You have a lot of responsibility, but on the other hand a lot of freedom of action.”

WHICH TASKS DO YOU LIKE BEST?

It’s no surprise that for many, customer interaction tops the list:

“Customer visits, customer contact also via MS Teams, organization of fairs and seminars, and supplier support.”

But at Dolder, sales is about more than transactions — it’s about long-term relationships based on fairness, reliability, and trust:

“I like having direct contacts with customers, building trusting and long-lasting relationships, carrying out complicated negotiations and closing sales.”

What else keeps the role exciting?

“Promoting products that can make a difference thanks to their characteristics.”

“Having new products and technologies to launch so that the job does not become a routine one.”

Finding solutions and meeting people.”

WHAT SHOULD SOMEBODY KNOW IF THEY CONSIDER WORKING AS A SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER AT DOLDER?

Here’s what you can expect — and what we look for.

First, the working culture stands out. A colleague who joined us recently shared:

“You will find a company, that seems unreal. The colleagues are nice. You can expect help at any time, the company is financially solid. Communication with superiors is at eye level, everyone sticks together and is focused on one goal.”

Another team member emphasized our values:

“Choosing Dolder means being aware that there are values such as honesty, loyalty, transparency that are part of us and that we are proud to show them. These values must already be present in us and being part of the group only increases their significance.”

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re open to learning beyond your formal training:

“Have skills in areas outside your education for being multitask.”

“Being a sales manager does not mean to be focused only on sales.”

“Be creative, find solutions.”

“You will have a lot of responsibility, but also a lot of freedom in pricing, etc. You will virtually be an entrepreneur within the company.

WHEN WE HIRE A NEW SALES & PRODUCT MANAGER: WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS THEY NEED TO FULFILL?

Above all, team spirit is key. But curiosity is also crucial:

“I think the most important requirement is curiosity. A curious person is always ready to get involved, to learn new things, to propose solutions or initiatives, to move forward despite the difficulties.”

Other essential qualities include:

“Open for new things, flexible.”

“Fascinate customers, are willing to travel, have a handshake mentality.”

“Sympathic, communicative.”

“Proactive and motivated.”

“Honest, open.”

Of course, relevant product knowledge is always an advantage. Depending on whether you’re applying to our Plastics, Specialty Chemicals, or Pure division, the required depth and type of expertise will vary.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? CONTACT US!

If this role sounds like a match for your skills and aspirations, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and tell us about your journey — we’re looking forward to connecting.

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