Sales Manager France (Remote)

Job Title: Sales Manager France

Location: France – home office

About the Company:

IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of solvent cements, adhesives and specialized plumbing products. Founded in 1954 in Los Angeles, CA, IPS began by producing clear cements for laminating acrylic sheet for aircraft canopies. Today, IPS, with its three operating companies, has various manufacturing plants and distribution centers supporting sales to a diverse set of international markets.

About Weld-On:

Weld-On Adhesives, the largest subsidiary of IPS Corporation, is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of WeldOn® solvent cements, primers and cleaners for PVC, CPVC, ABS and other plastic piping systems. Weld-On products are globally recognized as the premium products for joining plastic pipes and fittings and are used by professional installers around the world in a variety of applications such as, but not limited to, construction (residential & commercial), industrial (chemical process, water treatment, mining, etc.), irrigation (landscaping & agricultural) and others. Headquartered in California, Weld-On has state-of-the-art operations throughout the United States, as well as China, and a worldwide network of sales representatives and distributors.

About the Role:

The Sales Manager is responsible for implementing Weld-On’s sales expansion plans into France under the guidance of the International Sales Manager Europe. This position is strategic in meeting sales/profitability goals and the company’s strategic long-term plans. This position will involve extensive travel (up to 50 %) within the region, in order to maintain existing relationships, as well identify and develop new profitable opportunities in the region, through technical trainings, tradeshows and other activities, as prescribed. This role will work closely with marketing, inside sales, manufacturing, and export customer service teams. Success in this role includes building the French business from the ground up and taking the market leader from the US into its first major expansion into the French market.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a regional strategic plan that includes the build and execution on a sales funnel, building new opportunities, and driving the funnel to close on new business.
• Meet with existing customers to strengthen relationships and develop plans to increase market share. This involves understanding customer needs and potentially developing new product and solutions to be the preferred manufacturer of choice.
• Perform market research and analyze markets to determine priorities and strategies for market development.
• Lead and execute in the development of sales strategies including the implementation and sustainment of those plans across France.
• Improve understanding of target markets by leveraging SalesForce.com and executing on the sales funnel for customers, users, competition, pricing, etc.
• Assist in development of market specific product, literature, labels, packaging, etc.
• Understand country specific requirements (e.g. standards and/or systems) as they relate to our products.
• Track and monitor sales goals with the necessary countermeasures in place.
  
  
  

Education / Training / Certification:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college / university
• 5+ years of experience in B2B, Sales, or Technical Sales in Europe
• Experience in key account management, funnel management, and lead generation
• Proficient in French and English, both written and verbal. Spanish is a plus.
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Prior experience leading sales for a new business portfolio or segment.
• Experienced in the plastic pipe or fitting industry and/or the industrial, pool and/or irrigation market.
  
  
  

Skills (Technical):

Required:

• Proficient with Salesforce.com or other CRM platforms
• Highly proficient using a computer and Microsoft Office 365 platform (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  
  
  

Skills (Interpersonal):

Required:

• Communication: Proven ability to effectively communicate with team and customers. This includes building strong and trusting client relationships, providing clear direction that includes strategy and execution tactics, change management, goals, and other important key messages.
• Negotiation: Proven ability to influence through self and others in achieving the ideal outcome and meeting key initiatives.
• Analytical: Ability to identify and collect data to understand trends, identify unforeseen opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and make data driven decisions.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to think and act strategically with the ability to anticipate and prepare for various outcomes while assessing risks objectively.
• Problem Solving: Proven ability leveraging a rigorous business system to drive business growth and improvements.
• Results: Ability to deliver sustainable results that align with Company and functional priorities.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 50% and across Europe.