Sales Manager (m/w/d)

About NXT Spectra

NXT Spectra develops advanced AI-driven software tailored for analytical chemistry applications. Within a short time, the company has gained trust from leading clients and industry collaborators, securing sustained funding. Their intelligent NXT Spectra Software Suite accelerates R&D processes, empowering customers to innovate faster while ensuring product safety. The company collaborates closely with customers to deliver optimal market solutions and has earned prestigious recognitions such as the AI Innovation Award and “Gründungspreis Digitale Innovation”. The software is currently utilized by over 25 global partners and is continuously enhanced. The team is working on building a modern cloud platform to address major challenges faced by analytical chemists, aiming for worldwide growth and scaling, aspiring to become the top software platform for analytical chemistry deployed in thousands of laboratories globally.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

As a Sales Manager, you will be instrumental in introducing NXT Spectra's solutions into laboratories across Germany, Europe, and beyond. You will own the entire sales process—from identifying and qualifying prospects, crafting outbound campaigns, conducting product demonstrations, preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, to closing deals. Managing key accounts, discovering new use cases, and nurturing enduring relationships with decision-makers will be vital. You will engage clients from diverse sectors such as aroma and fragrance, pharmaceutical testing, specialty chemicals, food and water safety, and environmental analysis to understand their unique needs.

Additionally, you will lead customer projects by structuring requirements, developing project plans and commercial strategies, coordinating internal teams, and aligning milestones with customers and technical teams. This role offers a clear advancement pathway toward becoming a Global Sales Director as the company expands.

Qualifications and Skills

• Self-motivated with the ability to organize and prioritize work and set personal objectives independently.
• Proactive in identifying areas for improvement, embracing challenges, and committed to continuous learning.
• Fluency in German and English, both spoken and written, at a C1 proficiency level.
• Strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary teamwork and contribution of ideas.
• Comfortable initiating contact with potential customers via different channels and adept at listening and understanding their challenges empathetically.
• Confident and charismatic in presenting products, winning clients, and negotiating contracts.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and industry trade shows across Germany and Europe approximately 30 days per year.
• Educational background in natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, or physics; technical qualifications; economics combined with chemistry experience; or lab technician experience supplemented with industry knowledge.
• Initial exposure to B2B sales, marketing, science communication, or key account management to facilitate rapid growth in the role.
• Understanding of the chemical industry, its challenges, and practices.
• Capability to plan and coordinate customer projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Basic knowledge of chemistry or analytical chemistry to effectively translate laboratory needs into project offers and solutions.
• Familiarity with software tools such as MS 365 (SharePoint, Word, PowerPoint), CRM platforms like HubSpot, large language model tools (e.g., ChatGPT), and project management software like Asana.
• Awareness or experience with lead generation and sales tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Clay, or Apollo.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours to accommodate individual preferences.
• 30 vacation days per year with a full-time schedule ranging between 35 and 40 hours weekly.
• Option to work remotely or hybrid, including access to the Cologne office.
• Opportunities for personal growth and skill development with a defined path towards leading the expanding sales team.
• Permanent employment with a competitive salary benchmarked to market standards.
• Performance-based sales commission for licenses and projects sold.
• Additional perks including Urban Sports membership, personal training and education budgets, special leave for volunteering, and more.
• A compact interdisciplinary team enabling swift communication and decision-making.
• A platform to contribute expertise and shape sales, marketing strategies, and company direction.
• Flexible start date around autumn 2026, ideally in September.

Working Culture and Team

The team currently consists of six professionals from diverse backgrounds including data analysis, AI, office management, and science communication, distributed across four cities with a primary office in Cologne. They meet every 3 to 4 months to foster collaboration, balancing remote work benefits with close team culture. Operating at the intersection of chemistry and IT, the company encourages continuous knowledge exchange and rapid innovation. Communication is primarily in English to facilitate international cooperation. The company aims to reach customers throughout Europe by deeply understanding user needs and delivering impactful software solutions that transform chemical research workflows. The team brings expertise in project management, chemistry, machine learning, and communication and seeks a like-minded professional to accelerate customer outreach, cultivate user relationships, and manage transformative projects for chemists.