Who we are

As experts in safety and well-being, we protect more than 1,000,000 people in Belgium, the Netherlands, and France each and every day. We believe in a world where every employee can do his or her job safely and comfortably and return home healthy every evening. Vandeputte employees go the extra mile to achieve this daily. As an organisation, we want to offer our colleagues a safe working environment, where they can be themselves and become who they want to be -- an environment where growth, learning, and entrepreneurship are encouraged.
 

Vandeputte Safety is looking for a Sales Manager Government
 

What we expect from you

As Sales Manager Government, you will be responsible for the commercial development of sales activities with federal and regional government bodies in Belgium. You will act as a trusted advisor in providing concepts on workplace safety and well-being. To that end, you will maintain close contact with both national and regional authorities through your account managers in Flanders and Wallonia. You will proceed proactively to establish relationships with government bodies, detect public tenders at an early stage, and capitalise on strategic opportunities. The tender team scans the market for new tenders, while the Government sales team decides which tenders to pursue and at what pricing levels. You will build and strengthen long-term relationships with various governmental organisations and anticipating future needs and changes while not losing sight of the relationship with our suppliers.

You will bear ultimate responsibility for achieving the sales targets that constitute a crucial part of the business results for Vandeputte Safety Experts. You will approach the market with a distinct growth mindset so as make sure that the Government sales team functions effectively and performs in optimal fashion. You will moreover work closely with other Sales Managers as well as with Marketing, Supply, Finance, and Logistics, Furthermore, you will translate the company’s strategic vision into concrete action plans and monitor interim results closely.

You will keep abreast of market developments and sector trends at home and abroad, organise events, and participate in various activities and conferences to enhance the visibility of Vandeputte Safety Experts.

You will assume five crucial roles:

• Sales Strategy
  You will translate the vision and strategy of Vandeputte Safety Experts into a concrete business plan for the Government market segment, focusing on developing short- and medium-term sales strategies. You monitor this plan throughout the year and adapt it as market conditions change. You will make sure that your team and relevant departments are informed about the business plan and create buy-in for the action plans.
   
• Sales Management
  You will set clear and ambitious goals, analyse and assess performance and results, and take action as and when necessary. You will see to it that growth, profitability, quality, and customer satisfaction are achieved. You will foster cooperation and the effective organisation of the sales team, with smooth communication and information flow within the team.
  
  You will keep employees informed of important decisions and provide feedback on relevant market information to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). You will moreover facilitate communication between the Government sales team, other departments, and management, and contribute to improving efficiency and automation in the sales organisation, supporting process automation so as to emerge as Digital Safety Leader. This effort will help secure the company’s share of the digital market.
   
• Business Development
  You will identify market opportunities in cooperation with the tender desk and account managers. You will build a network within government bodies and maintain active and regular relationships with customers, and take an active part in key events that enhance the image of Vandeputte Safety Experts. You will coach account managers in developing relationships with prospects and other stakeholders in the market to drive customer acquisition. You will foster alertness within the team, making sure that all members can identify opportunities quickly.
   
• Budget Management
  You will hold ultimate budgetary responsibility for the sales results of federal and regional government customers. You will spare no effort to meet or exceed the total sales targets of Vandeputte Safety Experts in terms of revenue, added value, and margin. You will report on the sales pipeline and results to the CCO via Salesforce.
   
• People Management
  You will guide and motivate your team members to achieve their individual and collective objectives. You will assess the performance of each team member through regular one-on-one meetings and biannual reviews and will be responsible for the development of your team and the progress of their skills. To this end, you will accompany account managers regularly in the field during canvassing appointments. You will provide autonomy and trust to employees in line with their capabilities and motivation, and make sure that the values and standards of Vandeputte Safety Experts are upheld.
   

What you bring to the table

You hold a master’s degree or have equivalent experience. You are fluent in Dutch, French, and English. You have extensive sales experience and a proven track record in leading a team. You resonate with our mission to protect over 1,000,000 people each and every day and have a genuine interest in our product portfolio and the solutions we offer. You have at least 5 years of successful experience managing a mature sales team of experts while striving for ambitious growth targets. You are adept at both hands-on and remote leadership, and will travel regularly between Boechout and Jumet in addition to other locations.

You will develop a vision for your markets and implement an ambitious growth plan year after year. You are proficient in software tools such as MS Office, including advanced Excel skills. Familiarity with SAP, Sirius, and Salesforce would be an extra winning asset.
 

What Vandeputte Safety Experts can offer you

Vandeputte Safety Experts is a leading player within the RG Group, the European market leader in personal protective equipment. Here, you will work in a dynamic and international environment where well-being and results go hand in hand. Everyone contributes autonomously and responsibly to the future of Vandeputte Safety Experts, where trust constitutes the foundation for positive and sustainable cooperation. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a competitive salary complemented by a bonus scheme, company car, expense allowance, laptop, smartphone allowance, and the option for bike leasing. We moreover provide a clear framework for learning and development, and encourage personal growth. Working from home is also possible. And let’s not forget: the coffee is always ready, and served with a smile.

How to apply

Send your CV and cover letter to jobs.be@vdp.com for the attention of Evie Tanghe. We look forward to getting to know you!