Sales Area Manager – Chemical Intermediates & Specialties
Role Overview
Drive business expansion and customer engagement across the CH/FR/DE/BNL region by managing the distribution of volatile raw materials and specialty chemicals. This position focuses on delivering value through expert consultation, market insight, and reliable supply chain support to clients in industries including coatings, adhesives, building chemistry, composites, lubricants, polyurethanes, and synthetic resins.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise industrial customers on procurement strategies, helping them make informed purchasing decisions based on market trends and supply dynamics
- Maintain ongoing commercial communication, providing insights into global supply conditions and their regional implications
- Grow market share by identifying new business opportunities and expanding product offerings in collaboration with internal innovation teams
- Develop long-term partnerships by emphasizing service excellence and supply chain expertise over price competition
- Support internal teams in product management and inside sales, ensuring alignment across customer-facing functions
- Keep detailed, up-to-date customer records and performance reports using CRM tools
- Conduct regular field visits, with approximately half of working time spent traveling within the region
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven experience in selling chemical raw materials or specialty products to industrial clients
- Fluent business-level communication skills in both French and English; additional languages are an asset
- Strong interpersonal abilities with a track record of building trust and closing negotiations effectively
- Comfortable representing the company at all organizational levels, from technical staff to senior executives
- Proficient in interpreting data, market statistics, and financial reports
- Organized, self-driven, and capable of managing multiple priorities independently
- Willingness to take ownership of results and drive initiatives forward
- Experience with CRM systems and digital sales tools
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary package with fixed and performance-based components
- Company-provided vehicle, laptop, and mobile phone
- Access to professional development programs and training
- Supportive, open work culture that values initiative and accountability
- Opportunities for career progression within a close-knit, multinational team
- Autonomy to shape strategies and influence outcomes in a growing market segment
Work Environment
This is a field-based role requiring regular travel across Switzerland, France, Germany, and Benelux—approximately 50% of time. The position offers a balanced mix of strategic planning and hands-on customer engagement, supported by a collaborative international network. Performance is recognized, teamwork is encouraged, and personal initiative is consistently rewarded.
