Sales Manager South

We are seeking an experienced Sales Manager for South & West Europe to lead our regional sales operations within the Absorbents & Additives Business Unit. This strategic role combines hands-on sales management of a personal customer portfolio with leadership of a sales team, reporting directly to the Head of Sales and driving business growth across the subregion.

Responsibilities

• Manage personal customer portfolio of 30-50 customers while providing strategic oversight of South & West Europe subregion sales performance.
• Implement Business Unit strategy across the subregion, execute Key Account Management for assigned accounts, and provide strategic oversight of distributor relationships.
• Lead cross-functional project initiatives, coordinate subregional activities, and drive strategic customer development across the territory.
• Conduct demand forecasting, provide consolidated performance reporting, and report on market trends, competitive activities, and challenges.
• Maintain and develop opportunity pipeline in CRM system for assigned customers and oversee team's CRM data quality and pipeline management.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 2 Sales Account Managers, including setting performance targets, conducting reviews, and identifying development opportunities.

Requirements

• Education: University degree, MBA or similar qualification required.
• Experience: 7+ years in Sales, Marketing, Project Management, or Key Account Management with demonstrated team leadership experience.
• Leadership Capabilities: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop sales teams while managing personal sales responsibilities.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Office suite, digital tools (Power BI, SAP), CRM systems, and performance management tools.
• Negotiation & Influencing: Advanced negotiation and influencing skills with ability to close complex deals.
• Strategic Thinking & Relationship Building: Strong business acumen with strategic problem-solving and decision-making abilities and excellent cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to build lasting customer relationships.
• Language Skills: Fluency in Italian, good command of English.
• Flexibility to travel up to 60%.

Our Offer

• Lead a high-impact position combining hands-on sales with team leadership in a dynamic European market.
• Work in a diverse and inclusive environment where DE&I principles are embedded in everything we do.
• Access to global benefits framework including International SOS, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Family Support, and Long Service Awards.
• Collaborative culture within a leading specialty chemicals company.

Your Contact
Wencke Leyens-Wiedau
Talent Acquisition Manager EMEA
Phone: /
Germany

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. 

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