Area Sales Manager - packaging adhesives

Client Overview:

Our client is a well-established international manufacturer specialising in high-performance adhesive, coating and lamination technologies for the flexible packaging industry. With a strong global presence and an excellent reputation within the market, the business partners closely with converters and packaging manufacturers to deliver innovative, technically led solutions across a wide range of applications.

The company combines strong technical expertise with a highly commercial and customer-focused approach, supporting continued growth and development across key European markets

Role Overview:

To strengthen and expand the company’s presence within the Italian flexible packaging market, driving profitable sales growth through the development of existing customer relationships, acquisition of new business opportunities and expansion into new market areas.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to strengthen the company’s presence within the Italian flexible packaging market.
• Manage and grow an existing customer portfolio whilst identifying and securing new business opportunities across converters and packaging manufacturers.
• Build strong customer relationships through regular site visits, technical consultation and solution-led commercial support.
• Provide customers with technical guidance across adhesive, coating and lamination technologies, coordinating product trials and supporting application development where required.
• Monitor market activity, competitor developments and customer trends to identify opportunities for growth and maintain strong market awareness.
• Prepare sales forecasts, budgets and market reports, monitoring performance against agreed sales and profitability targets.
• Work closely with internal Commercial, Technical and R&D teams to communicate market requirements and support the development of new products and solutions.
• Deliver product presentations, technical training and commercial discussions with customers and industry stakeholders.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and ensure sales activities align with agreed pricing structures and margin expectations.
• Represent the business at industry exhibitions, conferences and networking events to strengthen market presence and generate new business opportunities.

Person Specification:

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or another relevant technical subject.
• Proven sales experience within the flexible packaging industry, ideally selling adhesives, coatings or lamination technologies into converters.
• Candidates from adjacent markets such as inks, films, converting or laminating machinery will also be considered.
• Strong technical and commercial understanding of flexible packaging applications and solution-based sales.
• Commercially driven, with the ability to develop new business opportunities and build long-term customer relationships.
• Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Fluent in Italian and English.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Italy.