International Technical Sales Manager – Specialty Chemicals for the Paper Industry

Our client, a leading international industrial group specializing in specialty chemicals, is seeking an experienced International Technical Sales Manager to develop its business in the paper and pulp industry across African markets.

Based in France and reporting to the Sales Management team, you will be responsible for driving commercial growth, developing long-term customer relationships, and promoting innovative chemical solutions for paper and board manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of industrial customers across African markets, with a particular focus on the pulp and paper industry.
• Identify new business opportunities and implement sales development strategies within the assigned territory.
• Promote the Group's specialty chemical solutions to paper mills and other industrial customers.
• Provide technical expertise and support to customers, helping them optimize their manufacturing processes and improve operational performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations, prepare proposals, and manage customer contracts.
• Work closely with technical, R&D, and production teams to deliver solutions tailored to customer requirements.
• Monitor market developments, competitive activities, and emerging business opportunities across Africa.
• Represent the Group at customer meetings, industry exhibitions, and technical events.

Candidate Profile

You hold a degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Pulp and Paper Engineering, or a related technical field.

You have significant technical sales experience in specialty chemicals for the pulp and paper industry, combined with a proven track record of business development in African markets.

A strong understanding of chemical applications in papermaking processes, such as retention and drainage aids, flocculants, process water treatment, and other performance chemicals, would be highly valued.

• Strong technical knowledge of the pulp and paper industry and its chemical applications.
• Proven experience in international B2B sales and business development.
• Established knowledge of African markets and their industrial and commercial environments.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• A high degree of autonomy, initiative, and commercial drive.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Africa.

Fluency in English is essential. French language skills are highly desirable, particularly for business development in French-speaking African countries.

The position is based in France and involves regular international travel, primarily across Africa.