Technical Sales Representative (Metal Industry)

Job Title: Technical Sales Representative (Metal industry)

Territory: France Location: Home-based (Must live in the Lyon area or within 3 hours of the office in Saint-Étienne)

Work Style: Remote / Field-based (Around 60% travel to customer sites)

Reports to : Managing Director

Introduction

Our client, based in Saint-Étienne, France, is a leading international manufacturer of industrial circular saw blades for high-performance metal applications. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the parent company operates production facilities and sales subsidiaries across the globe — including the US, UK, Germany, China, and the Czech Republic; exporting to over 80 countries. By combining cutting-edge HSS, TCT, and segmental saw blade technology, they provide tailored solutions to world‑class customers in the automotive, oil & gas, mechanical engineering, and construction industries.

To support their growing French market, they are looking for a dedicated Technical Sales Representative. This is a hands‑on, field‑based role where you will own the full technical and commercial cycle from diagnosing customer needs on the factory floor to leading on‑site industrial trials and converting proven results into long‑term customer partnerships. You will bridge the gap between complex engineering and commercial strategy, driving tangible productivity gains for clients across France.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and expand assigned customer accounts.

• Act as the main contact.
• Identify customer needs and improvement opportunities.
• Drive the process from prospecting to contract closure.
• Build strong relationships with plant personnel and management.

• Develop tailored technical solutions based on customer requirements.
• Define trial objectives, KPIs, and success criteria.
• Plan and lead on‑site industrial trials.
• Coordinate with customer production teams and optimize process settings.
• Ensure safe and efficient trial execution.

• Analyze trial results, including productivity, quality, tool life, and cost savings.
• Provide clear technical recommendations and improvement plans.
• Demonstrate ROI and business value using measurable results.
• Support commercial negotiations and convert successful trials into long‑term agreements.
• Share customer feedback and field insights with R&D and product teams.
• Contribute to product improvements and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to expand business within existing accounts.

Your Profile

• Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Proven experience within the metal industry (steel, aluminum, foundry, forging, or related heavy industrial sectors).
• Experience in plant operations, process engineering, technical support, or running industrial trials is highly advantageous.
• Willing to travel 60% of your time around France (including some overnight stays).
• Strong practical understanding of industrial manufacturing processes.
• Comfort working and troubleshooting in demanding production environments.
• Strong analytical and hands‑on problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical data into commercial value for the customer.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and negotiation skills.
• Highly autonomous, self‑motivated, and results‑oriented.
• Knowledge of tube mills, forging, continuous casting, or heavy cutting applications is a plus.
• French: Fluent / Full professional proficiency (written and spoken).
• English: Professional working proficiency

Reporting & Work Environment

• Work closely with Business Development, R&D, Application Engineering, Operations, and Sales teams.
• Frequent travel to customer sites required, at least 60% of your time.
• Regular work in industrial environments with strict safety requirements.
• Competitive base salary with an attractive variable bonus scheme (€10,000).
• Company car (available for professional and personal use).
• Comprehensive company health insurance (Mutuelle).
• Full ownership of your projects and clients – managing the process from the initial technical pitch to the final commercial partnership.
• The opportunity to spearhead and develop the French market within an internationally oriented, market‑leading company.
• Training at their headquarters in the Netherlands.
• In‑field with other colleagues from other territories.