Sales Manager Paints and Coatings France and Maghreb

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral‑based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value‑added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast‑growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.

Job Summary

Drive profitable growth and develop strategic customer relationships across South Europe’s Paints & Coatings markets, acting as the primary commercial force to execute the market strategy and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols, educating internal and external teams on preventive measures to achieve zero LTA and non‑LTA safety ambitions.
• Drive profitable sales growth based on a deep understanding of customer needs, competitive landscape, and value proposition across both existing and new accounts; influence volumes, revenues (circa €17M annual turnover), gross margin, price effect, and strategic account planning.
• Define and execute a robust commercial strategy and action plan for a portfolio of ~40 customers in collaboration with Marketing and Technical Support functions, including budget proposals, commercial conditions, and profitability improvement initiatives.
• Negotiate and secure price increases, increase share of wallet, and finalize commercial packages, along with associated terms & conditions (with legal support).
• Maintain regular customer visits (up to 60% travel time across South Europe), documenting detailed sales visit/call reports in CRM, and preparing monthly performance analysis against the plan.
• Proactively monitor and address significant customer complaints, collecting information, communicating investigation progress and conclusion, and initiating corrective actions.
• Ensure timely cash collection and work to improve DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) and optimize payment terms.
• Actively collect and document in CRM vital market intelligence, including mineral consumptions, performance requirements, competitors’ products/pricing, and future market trends.
• Generate and champion ideas for new products to feed the innovation pipeline based on key customer performance targets and future needs.
• Actively pursue and close new customers and cross‑sell opportunities to improve the conversion rate for the opportunity pipeline.
• Prepare, manage, and achieve accurate budget and forecasts for S&OP and finance purposes.

Job Specifications

• Engineering degree.
• Relevant experience in or serving the Paints & Coatings market.
• 5+ years of experience in a Sales Manager position.
• Strong customer sense.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Business acumen and technical appetite.
• Good understanding of basic financial and legal concepts.
• Outgoing, result‑oriented, concern for impact, good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to positively influence others without direct reporting lines.
• Native/proficient French speaker and fluent in English.

Leadership Competencies

• Cares for Self and Others: Acts as a visible role model for ethical decision‑making, inspires trust through a strong work ethic, and demonstrates self‑awareness to proactively manage personal well‑being and consistently follow safety protocols.
• Commits to Customers: Establishes and maintains mutually beneficial, long‑term customer relationships by thoroughly comprehending their business requirements and skillfully balancing their needs with the best interests of Imerys.
• Collaborates for Success: Works together across functional boundaries (Marketing, S&OP, Technical) to ensure shared commercial goals are met, sharing timely information, and constructively resolving conflicts.
• Drives Results: Motives self and others to achieve budgeted sales results, challenges existing processes to strive for excellence, and commits to delivering plans while maintaining a focus on long‑term sustainability.
• Shapes the Future: Thinks in long‑term scenarios, anticipating future customer challenges and opportunities, and uses this strategic outlook to translate the company strategy into actionable commercial initiatives.

Position type: Full‑time, Permanent.

Imerys is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

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