Country Sales Manager (Industrial Fasteners)

Location: Lyon, France with frequent travel across France (and Belgium and Luxembourg).

Company Overview

Our client is a global manufacturer of high-precision fastening systems serving industrial, automotive, and engineered applications. The company operates internationally and is recognized for its strong engineering capabilities, reliable product quality, and long-term customer partnerships.

To accelerate growth and structure its French commercial organization, the company is now seeking a Sales Manager - France to lead, develop, and scale its national sales activities.

Position Summary

• The Sales Manager – France will have full responsibility for the French market, combining strategic leadership with hands-on commercial execution.
• This role sits above the Technical Sales Representatives and acts as the commercial owner of France
• Defining and executing the sales strategy
• Leading and developing the field sales team
• Driving new business growth and key accounts
• Acting as the primary interface with HQ and international teams

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the national sales strategy for France
• Identify priority industries, regions, and target customers
• Drive sustainable revenue growth with a strong focus on new business
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing dynamics
• Lead, coach, and develop the Technical Sales Representatives in France
• Set clear targets, KPIs, and performance expectations
• Support reps in complex negotiations, key customer meetings, and technical discussions
• Recruit additional sales talent as the business grows (in collaboration with HQ)
• Personally manage strategic key accounts and high-potential prospects
• Support large RFQs, framework agreements, and multi-site customers
• Build long-term relationships with OEMs, Tier 1s, and industrial groups
• Work closely with HQ sales management, product management, and engineering teams
• Coordinate pricing, offers, and contract negotiations
• Ensure CRM discipline, accurate forecasting, and reporting
• Represent the company at industry events, trade fairs, and customer forums
• Act as the senior commercial ambassador of the company in France

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in B2B technical sales leadership, ideally within: Industrial fasteners, Industrial components, Automotive or mechanical engineering environments
• Prior experience as Sales Manager, Country Sales Manager, or Senior Sales Leader
• Strong track record in new business development (hunter mindset) combined with team leadership
• Comfortable managing remote field sales teams
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance strategy and hands-on execution
• Technically curious and capable of understanding engineered products and applications
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• French: Native / fluent
• English: Professional working level (internal communication, reporting, training)
• Willingness to travel frequently across France
• Valid driving licence required

What’s on Offer

• Competitive base salary aligned with seniority and experience
• Attractive variable bonus linked to team and individual performance
• Company car
• High level of autonomy and decision-making authority
• Direct impact on shaping and growing the French organization
• Long-term career opportunity within a stable, international group