Thomas Wüst
Interim Sales Manager
Experience
Aug 2024 - Sep 2024
2 monthsInterim Sales Manager
Inovan GmbH & Co. KG
- Expanded the B2B network through targeted actions and establishing new strategic partnerships to increase sales opportunities and enter new markets.
May 2023 - Dec 2023
8 monthsInterim Sales Manager
MAP Maschinen- und Apparatebau Produktions GmbH
- Managed 3 team members, providing coaching to develop their skills and motivation to achieve sales targets.
- Restructured and realigned the sales department to optimize processes and increase efficiency.
- Improved sales processes by identifying areas for improvement and implementing concrete actions.
- Facilitated internal communication between departments to ensure smooth collaboration and information exchange.
- Successfully expanded the B2B network and diversified into other industries such as food & beverage and pharma, leveraging cGMP and FDA experience.
- Supported supply chain management to optimize logistics processes and minimize bottlenecks.
Nov 2022 - Apr 2023
6 monthsInterim Head of Sales
- Led 30 team members, enhancing their performance and motivation.
- Coached and developed employees and B2B partners to build their skills and improve the sales team's effectiveness.
- Restructured and realigned the sales department to boost efficiency and customer focus.
- Developed and implemented a global service strategy, including a working hotline, considering specific market needs.
- Managed conflicts between subsidiaries using intercultural competence and diplomatic skills.
- Improved communication and aligned sales processes across subsidiaries.
- Expanded the B2B network and established new strategic partnerships.
- Renegotiated and adjusted existing distributor agreements to increase margins.
- Supported supply chain management for decentralized spare parts warehousing.
- Made a significant contribution to revenue growth and profitability.
Mar 2022 - Present
3 years 5 monthsInterim Manager – CSO, COO, QS, After Sales Service
- Provided day-rate mandates for various companies in quality assurance during pre-shipment inspections to ensure production matched specifications according to cGMP/FDA standards, mainly in medical technology, pharma, and F&B.
Aug 2020 - Nov 2020
4 monthsGlobal Director Sales & Service
DWA GmbH & Co. KG
- Held P&L responsibility for €12M, including budgeting and monitoring sales and service metrics to improve profitability.
- Led and developed a 22-person team of sales, marketing, service, and project staff, and managed the hotline.
- Strategically expanded and internationalized the B2B sales and service network by identifying new markets and distribution channels.
- Managed contracts with current and new distribution partners, including negotiating terms and ensuring legal compliance.
- Handled pricing by setting sales prices, monitoring market trends, and implementing pricing strategies.
- Managed major C-level key accounts to maintain and grow customer relationships.
- Provided regular reports to the CEO on performance metrics, strategic developments, and optimization recommendations.
Aug 2018 - Jul 2020
2 yearsDirector Global General Business OEM Industry
KSB SE & Co KGaA
- Held P&L responsibility of €140M for B2B customers, including developing tailored solutions and products.
- Drove strategic OEM development for standard products to continuously optimize and adapt to customer needs.
- Coordinated sales subsidiaries on international customer projects, including in water treatment.
- Developed new business relationships in food & beverage and pharma through market research and analysis.
- Managed international key accounts and projects across industries like automotive and plant engineering.
- Reported regularly to the business unit management on developments, projects, and successes.
Feb 2017 - Mar 2018
1 year 2 monthsHead of Sales
KST Kraftwerks- und Spezialteile GmbH
- Held P&L responsibility of €20M, including budgeting, planning, and monitoring revenues and costs.
- Developed new business fields outside power plant engineering, such as pharma and food industries.
- Designed and implemented a marketing strategy for new business areas.
- Organized and attended trade fairs and industry events to strengthen company presence.
- Managed sales projects, including planning, coordination, and execution.
- Implemented a CRM system to improve efficiency and customer relations.
- Managed supply chain for acquired customers in oil & gas and ensured parts compliance with dual-use regulations.
- Provided regular reports to owners and shareholders.
Oct 2012 - Mar 2016
3 years 6 monthsPune, India
Operations Manager PS Automation India
PS Automation GmbH
- Held P&L responsibility of €1M for the India branch, including cost and profit monitoring.
- Restructured and realigned the Indian unit from a joint venture to a 100% subsidiary, including relocation to new offices and technology transfer from Germany to India.
- Built an effective supply chain management system by selecting and qualifying new suppliers, handling customs logistics, implementing an ERP system, and organizing warehousing.
- Achieved a turnaround within two years through strategic actions to boost performance and profitability.
- Established a nationwide sales and service network with a hotline, hired sales staff, and set up service partners.
- Developed marketing strategies and participated in trade shows to increase brand awareness.
- Supported and developed strategic customers in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- Led and developed a team of 10 employees.
- Oversaw the relocation to new offices.
- Reported to the owner on business developments, financial results, and strategic decisions.
Aug 1998 - Sep 2012
14 years 2 monthsAustria
Business Development Manager / Export Manager CEE
Grundfos / Alldos International AG
- Held P&L responsibility of €18M for the dosing and disinfection business in CEE/CA, including budget planning.
- Led 15 international employees and 2 additional export staff.
- Grew the dosing and disinfection business in Central and Asia regions by identifying growth opportunities and entering new markets.
- Organized and executed marketing and client events to boost brand presence and customer loyalty.
- Advised on water treatment customer projects in collaboration with sales subsidiaries.
- Trained local sales and service staff as well as clients.
- Increased market share in Central and Eastern Europe through strategic initiatives.
- Reported regularly to the Regional Director and CEO/CFO.
May 1992 - Jul 1998
6 years 3 monthsEttlingen, Germany
Sales Manager / Service Techniker
Gabler Maschinenbau
- Handled project sales worldwide, identifying and acquiring new clients and developing and implementing sales strategies.
- Provided process consulting to customers to optimize their production processes.
- Visited clients and attended trade fairs worldwide to maintain relationships and gain potential customers.
- Managed key accounts and led negotiations to maximize revenue potential.
- Conducted market analysis and monitored competitors to adapt sales strategies.
- Led and developed the sales team.
- Performed reporting and controlling by preparing sales and revenue analyses.
- Managed installations and service operations worldwide, including technical troubleshooting, repairs, and training.
- Provided technical support, spare parts management, and documentation.
- Ensured quality assurance for machines in the pharma industry and drove continuous service improvements.
Summary
With more than 25 years of experience in international sales and after-sales service organizations, including over 15 years in leadership roles, I offer extensive expertise in areas such as water treatment and dosing technology, medical technology, general machine and plant engineering, and automation to drive companies to success.
My expertise includes successfully building and restructuring international sales and after-sales service organizations, including hotlines, to increase profitability and efficiency. I have supported employees and B2B partners through targeted coaching and development and led large projects, effectively managing international teams of up to 25 members and handling change and conflict.
During my three-and-a-half years as Operations Manager in India, I successfully led the restructuring of the Indian unit from a JV to a 100% subsidiary, including the move to a new facility, setting up local production with technology transfer from Germany to India, and restoring profitability through strategic measures. I was key in building and strengthening the sales and service network, implementing a functioning hotline, seamlessly transferring production equipment and knowledge from headquarters to India, and putting in place robust supply chain management practices. Furthermore, I oversaw the implementation of a quality management system to ensure operational excellence.
In addition to my sales and operations management skills, I offer a wide range of services, available worldwide if needed, including strategic sales support, transformation, supply chain management, change management, agile project management, and lean management.
With a clear focus on sustainable growth and outstanding performance, I am ready to help companies achieve their goals and stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedPortuguese
AdvancedSpanish
Elementary Education
Oct 1992 - Jun 1996
Fachschule für Technik
Mechanical Engineering Technician · Manufacturing Technology - Production Control · Germersheim, Germany
Oct 1987 - Jun 1989
Meisterschule Karlsruhe - Durlach
Master Craftsman Mechanical Engineering (IHK) · Mechanical Engineering · Karlsruhe, Germany
Oct 1980 - Jun 1983
E. Holtzmann Papier
Industrial Mechanic · Karlsruhe, Germany
...and 1 more
Certifications & licenses
Agile Project Management
Business Development Parts 1 and 2
Grundfos Academy
Change Management
Grundfos Academy
Export Financing
IHK
Leading and Developing International Teams
Grundfos Academy
Professional Scrum Master - PSM1
Project Management
IHK
Process Optimization with Lean, Kaizen, and KVP
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