Regional Sales Manager – Paints & Coatings

Regional Sales Manager – Paints & Coatings (France, Iberia and North-Africa)

Location: France, anywhere ideally near a major airport for international travel

Our client is a global leader in mineral-based performance solutions, serving a wide range of industrial markets including paints & coatings, construction, plastics, adhesives, and specialty chemicals. With a long history of innovation and manufacturing excellence, the company operates dozens of production sites worldwide and employs thousands of people across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Africa.

They are now looking for an experienced Regional Sales Manager for Paints & Coatings to drive commercial success across France, Iberia and North Africa.

This is a strategic, customer-facing role focused on profitable growth, market development, and long-term customer partnerships within the paints, coatings, and related industrial markets.

You will oversee a €20–25M portfolio and manage 60–70 key customer relationships, shaping commercial strategy while securing new business and supporting innovation.

What You Will Do

• Lead profitable sales growth across the region, driving volumes, revenues, margins, and pricing performance.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans in coordination with Marketing, Technical Support, and S&OP teams.
• Own all major contract negotiations, commercial packages, and strategic pricing initiatives.

Customer Experience & Market Influence

• Build strong, long-term relationships with key accounts in the Paints & Coatings sector.
• Act as the regional voice of the customer, ensuring top-tier satisfaction and rapid response to issues.
• Conduct regular customer visits (60% travel) and maintain accurate CRM reporting and performance analysis.

New Business Development & Innovation

• Identify and convert new customer opportunities, cross-sell solutions, and increase share of wallet.
• Support innovation by feeding customer insights and performance needs into the product development pipeline.
• Drive continuous improvement in conversion rates and opportunity management.

Financial & Operational Excellence

• Support working capital optimisation through improved DSO and payment terms.
• Deliver accurate forecasts for budgeting, S&OP, and finance.
• Ensure full adherence to safety culture and promote best-in-class standards with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Bring

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials, Marketing, or similar
• Experience in the Paints & Coatings industry (mandatory)
• 5+ years in Sales Management or Key Account Management
• Strong understanding of industrial processes and performance minerals is a plus
• Proven success managing a significant revenue portfolio
• Strong commercial acumen with negotiation excellence
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Customer-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skills
• Technical curiosity and comfort with basic financial concepts
• Native French and fluent English are required for this role. Spanish is a strong advantage.

Why Apply?

In exchange, the ideal candidate will receive a permanent contract and an attractive compensation package.

This is a unique opportunity to join a global industrial leader and take full ownership of a high-visibility commercial territory.

You’ll work autonomously, travel across a dynamic region, and help shape the future of sustainable performance solutions in the Paints & Coatings market.

Only candidates who meet the specified requirements will be considered for the role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.