Area Sales Manager Manufacturing Specialist

Area Sales Manager Manufacturing Specialist Position: Area Sales Manager Manufacturing Specialist Date: October 2026 Department: External Sales Location: Zeus Packaging, 1 Mallusk Park, Newtownabbey, Antrim SUMMARY OF ROLE Zeus Packaging is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Area Sales Manager Manufacturing Specialist to join our team, based at our Mallusk site. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced sales professional with a strong understanding of the manufacturing sector to take ownership of an established customer base while identifying and developing new business opportunities. The successful candidate will ideally have experience working with or selling into manufacturing businesses, whether in packaging, industrial consumables, production supplies, engineering supplies, PPE, materials handling or a related sector. They will understand the needs of manufacturing customers and be comfortable building relationships with key decision-makers across procurement, operations, production and supply chain functions. PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Manage and develop an existing portfolio of manufacturing and industrial customers within the assigned territory. Identify, target and secure new business opportunities to deliver sustainable sales growth. Build strong, long-term relationships with customers, becoming a trusted commercial partner and point of contact. Use your knowledge of the manufacturing sector to understand customer requirements and recommend appropriate packaging, consumable and related product solutions. Conduct regular customer visits and proactively identify opportunities to increase sales and broaden the product range supplied. Develop a strong pipeline of new opportunities and manage these effectively through to conversion. Prepare quotations, negotiate commercial terms and secure new contracts and business. Work closely with internal sales, purchasing, operations and customer service teams to ensure customers receive an excellent level of service. Monitor customer performance, sales activity, margins and market opportunities within the territory. Keep up to date with developments and trends within the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Represent Zeus Packaging professionally at customer meetings, industry events and trade shows where required. Deliver agreed sales, margin and new-business targets. SCOPE OF POSITION The post holder will be expected to work any hours required in the execution of his/her duties. The role does not have line management responsibility. LOCATION This position is located in Zeus Packaging, 1 Mallusk Park, Newtownabbey, Antrim. PERSON SPECIFICATION About You We are looking for a commercially focused salesperson who understands the manufacturing market and enjoys developing lasting customer relationships. The ideal candidate will have: Previous B2B field sales/account management experience, ideally selling into the manufacturing or industrial sector. Experience selling packaging, industrial consumables, production supplies, engineering products, PPE or other products/services into manufacturing businesses would be highly advantageous. A good understanding of the requirements and challenges faced by manufacturing customers. Experience engaging with procurement, operations, production, supply chain and other key decision-makers. A proven track record of developing existing accounts and winning new business. Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively and protect margin. Excellent communication, presentation and relationship-building skills. A proactive approach to identifying and developing new sales opportunities. The ability to manage their own territory, customer visits and sales pipeline effectively. Good organisational and administrative skills, including experience using CRM and sales reporting systems. A full driving licence. What Were Looking For Above all, we want someone who can combine manufacturing sector knowledge with strong commercial sales ability. You will be comfortable getting out into the market, visiting manufacturing sites, meeting customers and taking the time to understand their operations and requirements. We are looking for someone who can identify opportunities to add value whether through packaging solutions, industrial consumables, improved efficiencies, product consolidation or a broader range of products and services. You should be equally confident developing established accounts and opening doors with prospective customers. This role would particularly suit someone currently working in a manufacturing or industrial-focused sales role who has built strong industry knowledge and relationships and is ready to take the next step in their career with a growing packaging business. TPBN1_NI