Chris, Area Sales Manager Dubai
I have always worked in sales across various markets, and it's fascinating how the job transforms based on the culture, environment, and countries involved.
Since 2014, I've been based in the Mokveld office in Dubai, with a focus ranging from the Eastern Mediterranean to India, particularly in oil and gas and water transmission projects.
As an Area Sales Manager operating from a remote office, my role extends beyond just sales; I also function as an office manager. This entails handling various administrative tasks such as visas, residencies, dealing with banks, and coordinating with auditors. It's a different ballgame compared to working in the head office in the Netherlands, as I find myself wearing many different hats.
Good collaboration with the main office in Gouda is essential. Having a designated colleague as the main point of contact reduces the need to search for assistance, ensuring a good level of support. Our team dynamics are excellent; while we used to rely heavily on telephone communication, the introduction of Teams has improved our interactions. Teams calls facilitate seamless communication with all parties involved, making kick-off meetings more effective. However, for sales purposes, face-to-face interaction still reigns supreme.
Travel has been a constant in my career for over 15 years. While there are moments when traveling less seems appealing, especially since the introduction of Teams, I've come to realize that reduced travel often correlates with decreased effectiveness. In-person meetings continue to yield better results, underscoring the importance of personal connections in sales.
With over 25 years at the same company, my journey has been characterized by continuous learning and adaptation. While the basic knowledge remains consistent, it's the application and adjusting to different cultures and projects that truly matters.
The atmosphere within the company is friendly and supportive. We have a close-knit team where assistance is readily available; you only need to ask, knowing there's always somebody willing to provide an answer. The company boasts a pleasant environment with genuinely good people.
Despite not being a massive corporation, the job is immensely rewarding. Working within a smaller company often necessitates thinking outside the box and approaching tasks differently. However, this also presents opportunities for assuming responsibilities and exploring various career paths within the organization.