Regional Sales Manager – Paints & CoatingsLocation: Brussels, BelgiumTerritory: France, Benelux & North AfricaTravel: Up to 60%Industry: Paints & Coatings / Performance Minerals
Our client is a global leader in mineral-based performance solutions, supplying a broad range of industrial sectors 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 seeking an experienced Regional Sales Manager – Paints & Coatings to drive commercial performance across France, Benelux and North Africa. This is a strategic and customer-facing role responsible for managing a €20–25M revenue portfolio and 40–45 key accounts across the region. Accounts range from €300K to €2M per customer, combining medium and large strategic clients.
The role requires balancing new business development with a "hunter" mindset and long-term relationship building and key account management, while navigating a complex internal and market environment.
What You Will DoCommercial Growth & Account LeadershipLead 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.Manage a portfolio of 40–45 key accounts, ranging from €300K to €2M revenue per account, including medium and large strategic clients.Navigate internal complexities across multiple functions and teams, which may evolve depending on market conditions or geopolitical factors .Customer Experience & Market InfluenceBuild 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.Understand customer processes, key technical challenges, and market drivers; technical expertise is not required but technical curiosity is essential .New Business Development & InnovationIdentify 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.Oversee a complex portfolio of 13 mineral families and over 100 products, ensuring alignment with customer needs and business priorities.Financial & Operational ExcellenceSupport 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 We Are Looking ForWe are looking for a commercial "hunter" who is also a strong relationship builder, with a solid understanding of key account management in complex industrial environments.What You BringBachelors degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Marketing, or similarExperience in the Paints & Coatings industry (mandatory) or with key suppliers to the coatings sector such as mineral producers, TiO2 producers, binder/resin manufacturers, specialty raw material suppliers.5+ years of experience in Sales, Account Management or Business DevelopmentNative French and fluent English are required for this role, other language is a plusStrong understanding of industrial processes and performance minerals is a plusTechnical curiosity and understanding of industrial customer challengesProven success managing a significant revenue portfolioGood understanding of basic financial and legal conceptsStrong negotiation and commercial strategy skillsAbility to influence cross-functional teams without direct authorityCustomer-centric mindset and strong interpersonal skillsEntrepreneurial mindset with strong ownershipStrong stress resilience, curiosity and proactive drive
Why JoinThis is a high-visibility commercial role within a global industrial leader, offering the opportunity to:Own and grow a €20–25M regional businessWork with major coatings producersOperate in a dynamic international marketContribute to innovation in sustainable performance mineralsThe company offers a permanent contract and competitive compensation package .Only candidates who meet the specified requirements will be considered for the role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.