Regional Sales Manager – Specialty Papers (Africa)

Actual Talent is the talent acquisition consultancy that offers Executive Search, RPO and Talent Solutions.

Our purpose is to drive the growth and fulfillment of individuals and organizations. We facilitate individuals in finding inspiring opportunities and help organizations discover professionals who will take them to the next level. We do this through talent acquisition and development solutions that focus on people, diversity and inclusion, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading European manufacturer of specialty papers undergoing an exciting commercial transformation.

As the business shifts its focus from traditional graphic papers towards high-value specialty packaging solutions, the company is strengthening its international commercial organization and investing in new markets with significant growth potential.

To support this transformation, we are looking for a Regional Sales Manager to lead the development of the African market for the company's Specialty Papers portfolio.

This is an opportunity to join a business with ambitious growth plans, significant investment in innovation, and a genuine entrepreneurial mindset.

The Role

This is far more than a traditional account management position.

You will be responsible for developing business across North and Sub-Saharan Africa, working directly with packaging converters, manufacturers and strategic partners.

Success in this role requires a consultative sales approach, combining technical understanding with strong commercial instincts to identify opportunities, build long-term partnerships and grow market share.

The position offers a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to shape the company's presence in one of its key strategic growth regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for the assigned African territory.

• Grow existing business while identifying and developing new customers.

• Build strong relationships with packaging converters, manufacturers and key decision-makers.

• Promote value-added specialty paper solutions for flexible packaging, labels and other industrial applications.

• Support customers throughout qualification, product development and implementation projects.

• Work closely with Product Management, R&D, Technical Service and Customer Service to deliver tailored solutions.

• Monitor market trends, customer requirements and competitive activity.

• Maintain an active opportunity pipeline and provide regular commercial forecasts.

• Represent the company across the region through regular customer visits and industry events.

Your Profile

We're looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who enjoys opening doors, building relationships and developing business in international markets.

You are resilient, proactive and comfortable working independently in a fast-changing environment. Rather than simply managing existing accounts, you are motivated by identifying opportunities and creating long-term value for customers.

Requirements

• Proven experience in international B2B sales.

• Experience selling technical products into the packaging industry.

• Strong understanding of packaging converters and their manufacturing processes.

• Experience within one or more of the following sectors:

• Specialty Papers

• Flexible Packaging

• Labels

• Packaging Materials

• Films

• Laminates

• Industrial Packaging

• Demonstrated commercial experience across African markets.

• Experience managing complex, consultative sales cycles.

• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.

• Comfortable working autonomously within an international organization.

• Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 50%).

Languages

• Fluent English.

• Fluent French.

• Additional languages such as Spanish or Arabic would be considered an advantage.

What You'll Bring

• A proactive, resilient and opportunity-driven mindset.

• Curiosity and technical interest in industrial products and packaging applications.

• The ability to build trust with customers at both commercial and technical levels.

• A genuine passion for developing new business and expanding into growth markets.

What the Company Offers

• The opportunity to play a key role in an ambitious international growth strategy.

• A highly autonomous position with real ownership of the African market.

• Collaboration with experienced commercial, technical and product teams.

• An entrepreneurial environment where decisions are made quickly and initiative is encouraged.

• Competitive salary and benefits package, together with international career development opportunities.