Sales Manager – Africa – Commodity Plastics
Sector: Plastics
Function: Sales & Marketing
Location: Africa
Ref: RK/64824
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Based In:
Africa
The Company:
This is a dynamic international trading and distribution company specializing in commodity polymers and petrochemical products. With a growing footprint across African markets, the company is focused on building long-term partnerships, delivering reliable supply solutions, and expanding its regional distribution network. The company enjoys access to products from leading polymer producers from across the region.
The Role:
For this important brief we seek an experienced and commercially driven Sales Manager to lead business development and sales activities for commodity polymers across Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for expanding the customer base, managing key accounts, identifying new market opportunities, and driving revenue growth across targeted African regions. The role requires strong knowledge of polymer trading markets, excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to operate effectively in international trading environments.
Responsibilities:
Develop a sales strategy for commodity polymers across African markets.
Identify and secure new business opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with customers, achieve desired market share in relation to pre-agreed standards.
Develop strong relationships with Key Accounts.
Agree and then deliver sales targets, volume growth, and profitability objectives.
Monitor market trends, pricing movements, competitor activity, and customer demand – Ensure that the company remains competitive.
Coordinate closely with procurement, logistics, and finance teams to ensure smooth execution of transactions.
Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supply agreements with customers.
Travel as necessary across Africa to develop business relationships and support regional expansion.
Prepare sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and market intelligence updates for management.
Ensure timely collection of payments and maintain healthy customer credit management.
Build and maintain relationships with customers, achieve satisfactory market share in relation to preset standards, industry trends, and also sales and margin goals.
Demonstrate a high capability for closing sales with successful and profitable business results.
As necessary act as a link between the customer, operations staff and suppliers.
Where able, develop the workflow of the entire sales cycle (full cycle from lead generation, sales, delivery and accounts receivables recovery)
Building lasting relationships with key decisions makers ensuring that you are familiar with their mid-long term objectives and buying trends.
The Candidate:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a related field.
Minimum 5+ years of sales experience in commodity polymers, petrochemicals, or chemical trading.
Good knowledge of the African polymer markets and distribution channels.
Existing network within the plastics, packaging, manufacturing, or petrochemical industries in Africa is highly preferred.
Proven track record of achieving sales growth and managing international accounts.
Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced trading environment.
Willingness to travel extensively across African markets.
Fluency in English is required; French is an advantage.
Familiar with the sale of Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), PVC, PET, Polystyrene (PS) + other commodity and engineering polymers
In return, the company offers:
Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
Dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment
Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is located. Evidence of the right to work may be required during the recruitment process.
For reasons of readability, gender-specific language has been simplified. All references to individuals apply equally to people of all genders.
Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:
Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.
Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: 01197713