Area Sales Manager Polyolefins & Extrusion - France

Company Description

Antal International is a global executive search organization with over 130 offices in more than 30 countries. Our office in Paris specializes in recruitment solutions for professional positions within the chemical industry.

We are currently recruiting, on behalf of our client—a well-established European distributor specialized in polymers and thermoplastic solutions, with several decades of experience in the plastics industry.

The company partners with major international polymer producers and offers a broad portfolio of commodity and specialty materials serving various industrial sectors including extrusion, injection molding, film, blow molding, and compounding applications.

With a strong presence across Europe, the organization is recognized for its technical expertise, customer-oriented approach, and agile decision-making structure. As part of its continued development strategy, the company is currently reinforcing its commercial presence in France.

I. Job General Scope

Our client is seeking an Area Sales Manager Polyolefins & Extrusion – France. Location ideally in the Lyon region, home office. Other cities could be possible to negotiate. Permanent contract, attractive salary package.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of customers within the thermoplastics and polyolefins market, with a strong focus on commodity and specialty polymers for extrusion, film, blow molding, and rotational molding applications.

This position combines business development and key account management responsibilities, requiring both solid technical understanding and strong commercial acumen. Acting as a key interface between customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, the role aims to support sustainable business growth while building long-term customer relationships.

Reporting line: Country Manager.

II. Main Missions/Objectives

• Develop sales of the company's polymer portfolio across France.
• Manage and grow an existing customer portfolio (processors, extruders, compounders).
• Identify and acquire new customers through proactive business development.
• Provide technical support to customers in material selection and application.
• Analyze customer needs and propose tailored material solutions in coordination with technical teams.
• Prepare commercial offers, pricing proposals, and sales forecasts.
• Monitor market trends, customer activities, and the competitive landscape.
• Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events.
• Ensure regular reporting of sales activities and pipeline development.
• Work closely with internal teams (technical support, logistics, suppliers) to ensure high service quality.

III. Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Plastics Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a commercial field.
• 5-7 years of experience in the sales of thermoplastics or polymers (distribution or manufacturing).
• Strong knowledge of processing technologies: extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, rotomolding.
• Demonstrated ability to develop business and manage key accounts in an industrial environment.
• Technical understanding combined with a strong commercial mindset.
• Autonomous, results-driven, and comfortable working in a home-office setup.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Native in French and fluent in English.
• Willingness to travel frequently across France.