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

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

Willingness to learn, adapt and take ownership

Personal Attributes

Highly motivated, proactive and results-oriented

Entrepreneurial mindset with a “hands-on” attitude

Comfortable working independently and as part of an international team

Open to international mobility (Switzerland UK or Ireland)

Customer-focused with strong relationship-building potential

Additional Information

What We Offer

A structured 12‑month international traineeship in Switzerland

A clear pathway into a permanent Key Account Manager role in the UK or Ireland

Extensive training across products, markets, sales and technical applications

International experience and strong career development prospects

We look forward to your direct online application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at schotte.stefan@ch.sika.com

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.