Carbon Steel Sales Representative

Carbon Steel Sales Representative
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Germany – coverage across Germany, Benelux, France and selected CEE markets

Imperium Commodity Search is confidentially retained by an established international trading business to appoint a Carbon Steel Sales Representative in Germany. The role will focus on developing carbon steel sales across Germany, Benelux, France and selected Central and Eastern European markets, with particular emphasis on pre-painted galvanised steel (PPGI).

Our client trades hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated steel products across Europe. This appointment offers scope to build and develop your own customer base within an international platform, supported by internal sales colleagues and an overseas purchasing team.

The business is seeking a commercially proactive steel sales professional who enjoys opening doors, building lasting customer relationships and converting market knowledge into new business. PPGI experience is particularly relevant, although the product remit extends beyond PPGI.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop new carbon steel customers across the target markets, with a particular focus on PPGI.
• Identify and approach prospective accounts, build a sustainable sales pipeline and expand your customer base.
• Maintain long-term customer relationships and understand purchasing requirements, product needs and commercial priorities.
• Analyse customers and market developments to identify sales opportunities and changes in demand.
• Plan and carry out customer visits within Germany and across the wider European territory.
• Prepare quotations, negotiate commercial terms and support the conclusion of sales contracts.
• Work closely with internal sales on order processing and operational follow-up, and coordinate with the international purchasing team
• Report to the local team leader on sales activity, opportunities and market trends.

Requirements:

• Around 5–10 years of sales experience, preferably within international steel trading.
• Experience in PPGI or closely related steel products, with a sound understanding of carbon steel markets.
• Knowledge of the German, Benelux and French steel markets; additional CEE market knowledge would be advantageous.
• A proven record of winning customers and developing commercial relationships. An established carbon steel or PPGI customer network would be an advantage.
• Business-fluent English. Strong German, French or Dutch language skills would be advantageous.
• Commercial training, ideally in wholesale and international trade, or a relevant degree or comparable qualification.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, confident use of MS Office and a structured approach to managing sales activity.
• The initiative to work independently, alongside a collaborative approach and willingness to travel to customers.

The role offers significant individual responsibility, flexible working hours and the option for mobile or home working. A company car with private use and benefits including a company pension scheme are also available.

To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Mark Taylor at mark.taylor@imperiumcs.com or Jonathan Margrave at jonathan.margrave@imperiumcs.com, or call the team on +44 (0) 203 927 5090.