Introduction

The Key Account Manager Germany will play a pivotal role in driving sales and fostering strong customer relationships. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the market, customer needs, and industry trends.
• Identifying key decision-makers and establishing strong relationships with potential customers.
• Proactively identifying and developing new customer opportunities.
• You combine both commercial and marketing skills to achieve the company’s objectives

Organization

Papeteries Clairefontaine, located in the heart of Europe, is a symbol of quality with a long-standing expertise in the manufacture and conversion of paper. Renowned for its pursuit of perfection, Clairefontaine ensures uncompromising quality through rigorous and efficient processes—upholding the reputation it has built over generations. By continually adapting to new technologies and evolving customer needs, Clairefontaine has earned the lasting trust of its consumers.

The Group operates four paper mills: one in the Netherlands and three in France. In Germany, the sales team consists of three members. This position reports directly to the Sales Director of Clairefontaine. More information about the company is available at www.clairefontaine.eu. 

Function

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively develop the market by engaging with customers, visiting prospects, and preparing quotations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and prospects through effective negotiation and business development strategies.
• Address customer needs by providing technical solutions, leveraging internal services, and broadening the product portfolio.
• Execute communication initiatives to support business objectives, including organizing client factory visits and analyzing processes to recommend improvements.
• Provide management with insights into emerging market trends.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and Manufacturing to ensure successful delivery of planned volumes and manage deviations to maintain service quality.
• Define and agree on customer credit policies in coordination with Sales and Credit Managers, support payment resolution, and recover outstanding balances.
• Identify gaps in sales performance, implement corrective actions, and manage claims in coordination with the mills.
• Work with Mill Management and Technical Customer Service (TCS) to develop products aligned with market trends and customer requirements.
• Partner with Marketing to design and implement initiatives that enhance company visibility and attract new customers.
• Contribute to plant budget planning, achieve sales targets with assigned customers, and support the Group’s long-term strategic goals within the region and customer portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Extensive sales experience within the paper industry, with a strong focus on the graphic paper sector; knowledge of the high-speed inkjet printing market is a strong advantage.
• Self-motivated, independent, and able to work autonomously.
• Creative thinker with proven experience in international business.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to act as a trusted discussion partner for customers and prospects.
• Adaptable, humble, and accountable for both performance and results.
• Highly organized and efficient in managing tasks and responsibilities.
• Fluency in German, with a good command of English.

Offer

• A Permanent position within a financial stable family-owned company
• A competitive annual gross salary and a bonus
• Good secondary conditions
• Company Car
• Home office

Information

Paper Support One is an executive search agency specialized in the Pulp, Paper, Tissue and Board industry. Please contact Pim van Meeuwen (+31653265511) for more information

Application

We are looking forward to your application. Please apply via our website, click the apply button and upload your CV.