SALES & BRAND MANAGER INTERNATIONAL
Establish the company as a leading supplier of wastewater chemicals to the global cruise industry by developing a strong international brand and capturing aftermarket volumes from exi
The Role:
Our client, a well-established player in the maritime industry, is launching and developing its own international brand within wastewater and waste management chemicals for the cruise sector.
As Brand Manager / Sales Manager, you will be responsible for building and growing a new business area with significant international growth potential. You will lead the commercialization of the company’s proprietary product portfolio and develop long-term relationships with leading cruise lines, technical operators, and procurement organizations worldwide.
The role combines business development, international sales, and brand building within a market driven by increasing environmental regulations and substantial aftermarket opportunities.
You will work closely with internal technical and commercial teams that possess extensive expertise in marine chemicals and product development.
The position reports directly to executive management.
The preferred location for this role is Norway; however, candidates based elsewhere in Scandinavia or Europe will also be considered.
Key Responsibilities
• Build and establish the company’s new brand within marine wastewater chemicals for the cruise industry.
• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for the global cruise segment.
• Identify, establish, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders among existing and prospective customers.
• Lead sales processes targeting technical and commercial decision-makers at senior management and executive levels.
• Develop strategic account plans for major cruise operators and ship management companies.
• Monitor market developments, conduct competitor analyses, and identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with product development and technical teams to continuously enhance the value proposition.
• Represent the company at international trade fairs, conferences, and customer events.
• Contribute to pricing strategies, product positioning, and go-to-market plans.
• Build a sustainable and profitable aftermarket business for chemicals and related services.
Qualifications
• Proven track record in the sale of wastewater chemicals to cruise operators.
• Experience from the cruise industry or the broader maritime sector is essential.
• Knowledge of wastewater management, water treatment, waste handling, or related onboard environmental technologies is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in managing international customer relationships and driving sales within global markets.
• Solid understanding of aftermarket, service-based, or consumables-driven business models.
• Experience with product launches, brand development, or establishing new business areas is an advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience with contract negotiations.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in German and/or Italian is considered an advantage.
Personal Attributes
• Credible and relationship-oriented, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial drive and a results-oriented mindset.
• Self-motivated, structured, and capable of working independently.
• Motivated by building new business areas and creating measurable results.
• Curious, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Comfortable with extensive international travel.
• Able to combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
What we offer
• A unique opportunity to build and shape a new international business area.
• Significant influence over strategy, product development, and commercial direction.
• A key role in a company with strong growth ambitions within maritime sustainability.
• An international working environment with close collaboration across the global cruise industry.
• Competitive compensation and attractive professional development opportunities.
Om Papillon Executive Search AS
A Papillon Executive Search advisor is required to have extensive experience in the recruitment industry. It is essential for us to focus on the future of executive search—both by driving innovation within a traditionally conservative sector and, most importantly, by working with industries and companies we are truly passionate about.
Papillon Executive Search is committed to establishing a leading position in recruitment within two key areas, guided by our expertise and professional focus. We find it highly stimulating and rewarding to work within the green transition, technology companies, and start-ups transitioning into scale-ups, as well as scale-ups that have progressed further. These companies share a common thread: strong passion, ambition, and a clear vision for the future.
We believe we can add significant value by leveraging our expertise and acting as trusted advisors to our clients. Across industries, many of the challenges companies face are universal and not always immediately apparent—particularly when it comes to identifying and attracting the right talent for key positions.
We have identified two primary industry sectors where we will focus our efforts:
1. The Green Transition
The world is undergoing a major shift toward sustainability, and Norway has taken a leading role in many areas. With our background, experience, and network, we are well positioned to be a strong partner and advisor in recruitment within this sector. We are already working with companies such as Arendals Fossekompani, UMOE Gruppen, Å Invest, NRP Zero, Hydrogen Pro and Air Liquide, both directly and through their portfolio companies.
2. Technology Companies
This sector has many intersecting dimensions with the green transition and represents a broad yet clearly defined focus area. The phases, challenges, and dynamics that tech companies face are often similar. Our expertise extends to companies specializing in security, health, and welfare technology—sectors that contribute to a greater purpose.
Finding the right candidate requires a deep understanding of the business case, the company, and its current and future landscape. It also demands strong advisory capabilities, strategic insight, and—most importantly—the ability to attract the right talent with the right motivation for the role.
That is where we excel.
Our vision is that our contribution to the recruitment process will result in hires that positively impact the company’s working environment, productivity and profitability in the short and long term.