International Traineeship Program - A&I - Key Account Manager UK / Ireland

About Sika

Sika is a global leader in specialty chemicals focused on bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting systems and products for the building and industrial sectors. With operations in 103 countries, over 400 factories, and approximately 33,000 employees, Sika drives innovation enabling more sustainable construction and transportation. In 2025, the company achieved CHF 11.20 billion in sales.

Program Overview

Sika's International Traineeship Program (2026 edition) spans 12 months, commencing in Switzerland at the Widen hub. This structured program is tailored for early-career professionals eager to develop into Key Account Managers within the Industrial sector. After completing the traineeship, participants will transition to a full-time, permanent role in either the UK or Ireland.

Traineeship Responsibilities

• Acquire thorough knowledge of the industrial product portfolio including flooring systems, adhesives, sealants, and composites.
• Understand various industrial market sectors such as transportation, renewable energy, and production line construction.
• Assist Key Account Managers with customer management, offers, and project implementation.
• Engage in client meetings, deliver technical demonstrations, and present solutions.
• Develop commercial capabilities including pricing, sales forecasting, CRM (Salesforce), and opportunity management.
• Collaborate across departments such as product management, marketing, customer service, and technical teams.
• Gain insight into the go-to-market strategy and long-term business objectives.

Role After Traineeship

• Relocate to the UK or Ireland to take on a permanent Key Account Manager position in the Industrial market.
• Manage and grow assigned key customer accounts.
• Drive profitable growth by deploying sales strategies aligned with business plans.
• Cultivate strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Promote and position innovative industrial products to enhance value and profitability.
• Provide technical advice, problem resolution, and product demonstrations.
• Maintain precise customer and opportunity records using Salesforce for forecasting and reporting.

Qualifications and Skills

• A university degree in engineering, material science, chemistry, or an allied technical field.
• Previous experience such as internships, placements, or graduate roles in sales, technical support, engineering, or industrial markets is advantageous.
• Strong enthusiasm for industrial or technical sales environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation strengths.
• Commercial curiosity paired with the aptitude to quickly grasp technical product details.
• Analytical thinking and capable organizational skills.
• Comfortable with IT tools; familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce is beneficial.
• Motivated, proactive, results-driven, and entrepreneurial mindset with a practical approach.
• Able to work independently and within international teams.
• Openness to international mobility from Switzerland to UK or Ireland.
• Customer-centric perspective with strong relationship-building abilities.

Additional Details

• Structured 12-month international traineeship based in Switzerland.
• Clear progression to a permanent Key Account Manager role located in the UK or Ireland.
• Comprehensive training covering products, markets, sales techniques, and technical applications.
• Opportunity for international experience and promising career development.

Competitive remuneration is offered based on local market standards, job scope, skills, and qualifications. The company is committed to equitable compensation practices aligned with applicable laws.