Sales Manager Italy - Technical Sales - Rubber

Sales Manager Italy – Technical Sales | Advanced Materials for Rubber Applications

Location: Italy (must be based in Italy)

Working Model: Home based + ~40% customer travel

Salary: €65,000 to €85,000 base p/a + Bonus+ Benefits

Introduction

Our client is a global manufacturer of advanced materials supporting customers across highly technical industrial applications. The company develops specialised material solutions for rubber, elastomer and polymer markets, working closely with customers where material performance, processing behaviour and application requirements are critical.

Due to continued growth within the Italian market, the company is seeking a Sales Manager who combines strong commercial ability with genuine technical understanding of materials. This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to customers, understanding their technical challenges and acting as a trusted partner in developing the right solutions.

The successful candidate will work with customers including compounders, manufacturers and industrial partners, using their knowledge of polymers, elastomers and related technologies to support application development, strengthen relationships and identify new opportunities.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This is not a traditional sales role focused purely on volume and pricing. The value you bring will come from your ability to understand customer applications, discuss technical requirements and connect material capabilities with real manufacturing challenges.

You will inherit an established customer portfolio while also having the opportunity to grow the business through technical engagement and targeted business development. By understanding how customers formulate, process and use materials, you will help identify opportunities where the company’s solutions can create measurable value.

The role offers strong visibility and autonomy, working closely with technical, product and commercial teams across Europe. For someone with a background in rubber, polymers or specialty chemicals who wants to combine technical expertise with customer influence, this provides the opportunity to build a long term commercial career without losing technical depth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop customer relationships across Italy within rubber, elastomer and polymer applications
• Act as a technical partner to customers, understanding application requirements and material challenges
• Support customers with product selection, technical discussions and solution development
• Identify opportunities for business growth within existing accounts and new customers
• Work closely with R&D, product management and technical teams to support customer projects
• Provide market feedback and customer insights to influence future product development
• Support distributor relationships and technical sales activities
• Represent the company at customer meetings, technical discussions and industry events
• Manage sales activity, forecasting and opportunity development across the region

Key Requirements

• Based in Italy with strong understanding of the local industrial market
• 5-10+ years of experience within technical sales, application development, product management or business development
• Background within rubber compounding, elastomers, thermoplastics, polymers, additives or related materials
• Strong understanding of material behaviour, applications and customer processes
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly with both engineers and commercial stakeholders
• Experience working with industrial customers in a consultative environment
• Strong relationship building and problem solving skills
• Native/Fluent Italian and English

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