Area Sales Manager

Job Description

Task areas — Main tasks*

Sales Leadership & Management

• ▪ Define, implement, and relentlessly pursue a high-impact sales plan for markets, products, and industries within the region.
• Set and achieve challenging margin and growth targets, driving commercial excellence and market penetration.
• Lead by example in customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction, building robust relationships with key accounts and stakeholders.
• Analyze sales performance, market trends, and competitive dynamics to anticipate risks and seize opportunities.

Strategy Development & Deployment

• ▪ Develop and execute forward-thinking tactical and strategic plans aligned with segment growth objectives.
• Identify and capitalize on emerging market trends, disruptive technologies, and new product opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Responsibility, Finance & Controlling

• Take full responsibility for success of own area of responsibility, driving profitability and sustainable growth.
• Ensure all operations comply with relevant regulations and company standards.
• Proactively contribute to safeguard and enhance company investments and assets.

Change Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Champion change, innovation, and continuous improvement across the segment.
• Coordinate priorities and projects with central functions (Design, Marketing, SCM, R&D), ensuring business objectives are met.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, and high performance within the team.

Quality, Compliance & Representation

Uphold the highest standards of quality, technical compliance, and customer care.

• Represent the segment externally, strengthening relationships with customers, authorities, and industry partners.

Qualifications

• Technical, science or business studies (university / university of applied science)

Minimum 5 years of senior sales management experience in a relevant industry.

• Demonstrated track record of exceeding ambitious sales and margin targets.

▪Expert-level sales, negotiation, and presentation skills.

▪Advanced financial acumen and business management expertise.

▪Deep market knowledge, including customer and competitor trends.

▪Proven ability to drive commercial excellence and strategic transformation.

Industrial Sales in decorative surface and technical surface materials plus understanding of their technologies

• Leadership experience not necessary but advantage
• International/intercultural experience strongly preferred.

Additional Information

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.