Company Description
Our client is a leading Italian company in the material handling sector, internationally recognised for manufacturing material handling equipment, such as load-handling devices and lifting solutions for forklifts. With a strong global footprint and a well-established reputation for quality, engineering excellence, and reliability, the company serves OEMs, distributors, and industrial customers across multiple markets worldwide. As part of its strategic growth plans in South East Asia, the company is seeking a senior commercial professional to strengthen, restructure, and further develop its regional sales presence.
Role Description
The Area Manager will be responsible for driving commercial development across key South East Asian markets, with a strong focus on building, restructuring, and coordinating the regional sales network. In addition to developing the local market in the base country, the role will oversee and coordinate sales agents and commercial partners across Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In several markets, the position will involve establishing or rebuilding the sales network, including the identification, selection, onboarding, and performance management of new partners.
This is a senior, autonomous role with direct accountability for regional commercial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and implement the commercial strategy for South East Asia in alignment with corporate objectives
- Actively develop the local market in the manager's base country
- Build, restructure, and expand the regional sales network, including agents, distributors, and commercial partners
- Identify, select, onboard, and manage new sales partners in markets where the existing network requires reorganization or rebuilding
- Coordinate, support, and monitor the performance of sales agents and partners across Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines
- Define commercial objectives, KPIs, and action plans for the regional sales network
- Develop and manage key accounts and strategic relationships with OEMs and major distributors
- Manage assigned commercial budgets and sales targets
- Monitor market trends, competitive dynamics, and customer requirements
- Provide regular sales reporting, forecasts, and market intelligence to headquarters
- Represent the company at trade fairs, customer meetings, and industry events
- Travel extensively within South East Asia as required
Key Objectives First 12 / 24 Months
First 12 Months
- Assess the current commercial presence and partner landscape across South East Asia
- Stabilize and develop the local market in the base country
- Map, evaluate, and rebuild the sales network in priority countries
- Identify coverage gaps and define the most effective sales model for each market
- Select, onboard, and train new agents or commercial partners
- Establish clear KPIs, reporting structures, and coordination processes with headquarters
- Deliver structured market intelligence and sales forecasts
First 24 Months
- Consolidate and optimize the regional sales network to ensure consistent market coverage
- Achieve sustainable sales growth in line with agreed regional objectives
- Improve partner performance through coaching and performance monitoring
- Expand penetration with key customers and OEMs
- Strengthen brand positioning across South East Asia
- Support the definition of mid-term regional growth strategies and organizational development
Candidate Profile
- Minimum 15 years of commercial experience in the material handling sector or in closely related industrial sectors
- Proven track record in sales network development, restructuring, and partner management
- Solid experience in coordinating multi-country sales networks
- Strong background in business development and key account management
- Demonstrated experience in managing commercial budgets and sales targets
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills
- Fluent English (spoken and written); additional regional languages are a plus
- High level of autonomy, strategic thinking, and results orientation
- Strong intercultural skills and experience in international business environments
- Willingness to travel extensively across South East Asia
What the Company Offers
- Attractive and competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the candidate's experience
- A fixed compensation and a performance-based variable component
- High level of autonomy and direct impact on regional business development
- Opportunity to build and lead a regional sales network in a high-growth international environment
If you are interested in this role and believe you have the right skills and experience, please submit your updated resume explaining your interest by the deadline of 6 March 2026.
