Location: Netherlands

Type: Permanent employment

Experience: 3 to 5 years (Medior)

A Handshakers customer, based in Ghent, Belgium, specializes in advanced AI/ML software and services focused on process optimization, production efficiency, quality assurance, soft sensing solutions, asset maintenance, data-driven (predictive) maintenance, energy performance, line operations and computer vision solutions.

They serve diverse industries such as chemical, energy, food & beverage, biopharmaceutical, paper & pulp, mechanical engineering, discrete manufacturing and automotive.

The organization is part of an international group that is active worldwide in advanced automation solutions within sectors such as Life Sciences, Food & Beverage, Consumer Products, Transport and Energy.

The team of approximately 20 dedicated professionals is at the beginning of a strong growth phase.

That is why they are looking for a Dutch-speaking Medior Business Development Manager who will help to quickly expand the pipeline of qualified leads and effectively close deals, with a focus on the Netherlands, Northern Europe and the UK.

You are at the forefront of commercial growth, working from the office or from home. Your core tasks:

• Lead generation: Proactively approach potential customers via social selling campaigns, attending trade fairs and networking events. Supported by external cold calling agent(s).
• Pipeline Management: Keep the sales pipeline up to date in Salesforce for full transparency, fast follow-up and timely decision-making.
• Introductory conversations: You conduct initial (online) conversations via MS Teams to introduce the customer's AI/ML services and software, map out the customer's needs and generate interest.
• Quotations & Closing Deals: You involve one of the technical project managers to determine the right technical solution together with the customer and to draw up a quotation. You present the proposal, discuss and negotiate, and lead each sales process to a clear "go/no-go" decision.
• Collaboration: You will work closely with the Sales, Marketing and Project teams to ensure solutions meet customer needs and the transition from pitch to project runs smoothly.

• Experience in sales: You have at least 3 years of commercial experience in B2B sales, ideally in software products or customized services.
• Technical interest: You are curious about AI, machine learning and process optimization. Knowledge of AI is a plus.
• Strong communication: You quickly gain the trust of prospects via telephone, email or online meetings and know how to clearly convey the added value.
• Results-driven: You get excited about achieving targets (KPIs), filling the pipeline and closing deals.
• Team player with independence: You can work independently (often remotely) and at the same time collaborate smoothly with colleagues.

• Innovative culture: Working in a fast-growing, start-up-like environment with the clout of an international group and little bureaucracy.
• Career opportunities: You will learn from experienced colleagues in Sales, Marketing and Technology and build a strong career.
• Flexible working: A hybrid working environment with a combination of office, home working and customer visits.
• Attractive salary package: Competitive basic salary with fringe benefits such as pension contribution, performance bonuses, meal vouchers, flexible remuneration plan, mobility budget or company car.
• Dynamic team: There is a culture of hard work and celebrating successes – both individually and together.

Interested in this challenging role? Send your CV and motivation to hello@handshakers.be with the subject 'VACANCY BDM Netherlands - Northern Europe and the UK'.

We look forward to receiving your application!