Account Manager International - African Market

Job Title: Account Manager International - African Market
Location: Almelo, The Netherlands
Office set up: Hybrid, office and working from home
Travel: Around 20-25% across Africa
Reporting to: Head of International Sales
Languages: Dutch, French and English
Territory: Africa

Company and role overview

Our client, a major international leader in the lubricants industry, is seeking an ambitious International Account Manager to drive business expansion and strengthen their distribution network across Africa. The ideal candidate will combine a high-growth commercial mindset with a proven ability to build and sustain long-term client relationships.

Since 1977, our client has been developing and manufacturing high-performance lubricants, additives, and coolants, driven by an innovative, pioneering spirit and a healthy dose of ambition. Powered by a dedicated in-house R&D team, they engineer cutting-edge solutions across key growth sectors, including automotive, motorsports & racing, agriculture, industry & manufacturing, construction & earthmoving, marine & offshore, and mining. A prime example of this innovation is their specialized product line featuring SYNGIS Technology, a breakthrough development which contributed to winning the Dakar Rally. Today, operating under their tagline "Powering Performance," they empower customers worldwide to achieve peak performance from their vehicles and machinery across more than 90 countries.

As an International Sales Account Manager, you are responsible for managing, strengthening, and expanding their distribution network across Africa. You will maintain close relationships with existing distributors while actively identifying new commercial opportunities. Working alongside their New Business Developers, you will turn market potential into concrete growth strategies and ensure a strong, consistent brand presence for their brand in the region.

You will lead strategic discussions with current and prospective partners, analyze their business needs, and advise on tailored solutions. Proactively chasing commercial leads, you will develop a personalized acquisition plan focused on driving revenue and market share. Additionally, you will support distributors in executing sales and marketing strategies, serving as a trusted advisor on technical and product-related questions.

Staying ahead of market trends and developments in Africa, you will translate key insights into commercial wins for our client.

You operate autonomously, take ownership, and collaborate effectively with internal teams; including Sales, Marketing, and Product Management, to achieve shared business goals. This role involves international travel across Africa, approximately 20-25% of the time to foster relationships, capitalize on market opportunities, and represent our client locally. Your home base will be located at their headquarters in Almelo. The role will be at least 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home if you are not travelling.

What you bring

• You have a bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in a similar international role and market.
• A strong preference for a B2B technical sales background in lubricants, industrial chemicals, automotive/heavy machinery spare parts, or MRO consumables, with a proven track record of managing international distributor networks.
• You are willing to travel nationally and internationally mainly to Africa.
• You are proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM, and Power BI (a plus).
• You have strong communication skills and are fluent in Dutch, English, and French, both spoken and written.
• You are a natural networker, commercially minded, results-oriented, ambitious, and have an affinity for technology.

What they offer

• A good salary based on a 38.25-hour workweek, depending on experience.
• An immediate contract with our client with the prospect of permanent employment.
• A total of 29.5 days of flexible time off, divided into vacation days, extra leave days, and ATV.
• A laptop, phone, and company car.
• In addition to learning through training programs (including the internal Academy), they invest heavily in personal development.
• Regular fun company parties and activities.
• Discount on company gym membership.
• Discount on employee purchases.
• A solid pension plan with favorable employer/employee contribution rates.

Interested or have questions?

Interested? Send your resume today to darciehudson@goaheadhire.com or call us on 0031 657049518.