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

Company Description

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. Approximately 33,000 employees generated CHF 11.20 billion in sales in 2025.

Job Description Sika is gearing up for the next edition of its International Traineeship Program 2026!

This exciting journey lasts 12 months, starting in Switzerland—primarily at our hub in Widen.

We are offering a unique opportunity to launch your commercial career through a structured international traineeship within our Industrial Sector. This role is designed for ambitious early-career professionals who want to develop into a Key Account Manager in the Industrial marketplace.

You will begin with a 12‑month traineeship in Switzerland, gaining hands-on exposure to our products, systems, processes and culture, while working closely with experienced sales, technical and market specialists. Following successful completion of the programme, you will relocate to the UK or Ireland into a full-time, permanent Key Account Manager, with responsibility for managing and developing key customer accounts.

What You’ll Do During the Traineeship (Switzerland)

During the 12-month programme, you will build a strong foundation across sales, technology and market understanding, including:

• Learning our Industry product portfolio including flooring systems, adhesives, sealants and composite solutions
• Gaining insight into Industrial market segments such as transportation, renewable energies and production line construction.
• Supporting Key Account Managers with customer management, proposals and project execution
• Participating in customer meetings, technical demonstrations and solution presentations
• Developing commercial skills including pricing, forecasting, CRM (Salesforce) and opportunity management
• Working cross-functionally with product management, marketing, customer service and technical teams
• Building a solid understanding of our go-to-market strategy and long-term business plans

Your Role After the Traineeship (UK or Ireland – Permanent Position)

After successful completion of the traineeship, you will relocate to the UK or Ireland and take on a Key Account Manager – Industry role, where you will:

• Manage and develop assigned key customer accounts within the Industrial market
• Drive profitable growth across targeted segments
• Develop and implement sales strategies aligned with annual and long-term business plans
• Build strong relationships with key decision-makers, stakeholders and influencers
• Promote and position innovative product technologies to increase value and profitability
• Provide technical guidance, problem-solving support and product demonstrations
• Maintain accurate customer and opportunity data in Salesforce to support forecasting and reporting

Qualifications Who We’re Looking For

Education & Early Experience

• Degree qualified in engineering, material science, chemistry or a related technical discipline
• First experience (internships, placements or graduate roles) in sales, technical support, engineering or industrial markets is an advantage
• Strong interest in industrial or technical sales environments

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Commercial curiosity with the ability to learn technical products quickly
• Analytical mindset with good organisational skills
• Confident using IT tools; CRM experience is a plus