Regional Sales Manager EP Minerals - Johannesburg Area, South Africa

The Regional Sales Manager reports to the European Managing Director and will have and 80/20 split on Sales and New Market Development.  On the sales side, specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Build sales volume within territory from existing and new accounts;
• Set up and maintain a strategic sales plan for the territory;
• Present technical presentations, product demonstrations & training;
• Maintain direct contact with customers, distributors and representatives;
• Prospect new customer contacts and referrals;
• Gather and record customer & competitor information; provide accurate and updated forecasts for the territory;
• Build long-term relationships with customers, reps & distributors.

 Specific responsibilities for New Market Development will include but not be limited to:

• Identify new product opportunities;
• Identify and cultivate potential business opportunities in functional additives and fine fillers arena

 The Area Sales Manager covers a territory that includes the main countries in Africa (except East Africa) and potentially, depending on the specific experience, selected European countries.

Our regional sales managers work from home offices and enjoy a competitive base salary, incentive bonus plan, automobile and laptop technology.

Desired Skills & Experience

In addition to a demonstrated background in technical sales, we are looking for a candidate with applications experience in product development or technical service in filtration and/or functional additives, polymers, coatings, etc.  Additional requirements include:

• Degree in chemistry or engineering desirable.
• 10+ yrs. experience direct field sales in manufacturing and/or process-based industries (preferable filtration or filler knowledge).
• Consistent record of superior sales results & experience closing sales.
• Adept at cold-calling relationship development, distributor development and territory growth.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Working experience in multiple countries in Africa
• Language skills – fluency in English (speaking and writing) is required. 
• Strong computer skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail, etc.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work with a high degree of autonomy.
• Must be willing and able to develop new business – not just maintain current accounts.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout assigned region.
• Location in Africa is preferred but location in a European country with good access to international airport for effective travel is also possible

Company Description

EP Minerals (EPM) mines, processes and markets quality diatomite and perlite products.  We are one of the top producers and distributors of diatomaceous earth worldwide.   Our products are used as filter aids, absorbents, functional additives, and soil amendments.  They are marketed to a wide array of applications including food & beverage, chemicals, catalyst, energy, paints, plastics, potable water, waste water, automotive, and many others.  EPM’s business is global, and we ship direct to nearly 100 countries worldwide.  Our substantial ore reserves, multiple manufacturing sites, rich new product pipeline and global distribution network position EPM for continuous growth well into the future.   For more information, please visit our website at www.epminerals.com. 

Since August of 2011, EP Minerals has been owned by Golden Gate Capital (GGC), a San-Francisco based private equity firm with a long term investment perspective and $12.5 billion in capital under management.  Golden Gate’s strong financial backing has allowed EP Minerals has become much more active in making both internal and external investments to accelerate the growth of the company.