How to apply for Responsable commercial France & Maghreb F/H

About GEA

GEA is a global leader in sustainable technology solutions for food processing and diverse industries, with a strong focus on innovation and efficiency. The Extrusion Food Technologies (EFT) business unit develops cutting-edge extrusion solutions for pasta and extruded foods, helping food manufacturers optimize processes and create new products. Working at GEA means being part of a forward-thinking team that shapes the future of food production.

About the role

As Responsable Commercial France & Maghreb, you will drive sales growth for GEA's extrusion solutions across France and the Maghreb region. Reporting to the General Manager of the Pharma & Food Applications Division France, you will manage the entire sales cycle, from prospecting to closing deals, while nurturing strategic client relationships. This role is pivotal in expanding GEA's footprint in a key market and directly contributing to the company's commercial success.

A typical day

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with potential clients in France or the Maghreb to discuss their extrusion needs, followed by internal collaboration with technical teams to develop proposals. You could also be traveling to visit a client's facility, conducting product demonstrations, or negotiating contracts. Balancing prospecting, client management, and strategic planning is key to success in this role.

Who GEA is looking for

• Proven sales experience in capital equipment or technical solutions for the food industry, ideally in extrusion or related processing technologies.
• Strong network and understanding of the agro-food industrial landscape in France and the Maghreb, with the ability to identify and develop new business opportunities.
• Technical aptitude to understand client needs and propose tailored extrusion solutions, combined with excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent in French and English; Arabic is a plus for the Maghreb market. Willingness to travel frequently within the territory.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience in selling technical equipment or solutions to food manufacturers, specifically mentioning extrusion or similar processes if applicable.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the France and Maghreb markets by citing specific clients, projects, or market trends you have worked with.
• Emphasize your ability to manage the full sales cycle, from prospecting to contract signing, with examples of successful deals you've closed.
• Show your technical understanding by explaining how you've collaborated with engineering or product teams to tailor solutions to client needs.
• Mention your language skills prominently, especially French and English; if you speak Arabic, highlight it as an asset for the Maghreb region.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your successful track record in technical sales within the food industry, particularly in equipment or solutions. 2) Your familiarity with the France and Maghreb markets and your ability to develop new business. 3) Your technical acumen and how you bridge client needs with GEA's extrusion solutions. 4) Your motivation to contribute to GEA's mission of sustainable food processing and your fit with the EFT business unit.

Research before applying

• Explore GEA's website, particularly the Extrusion Food Technologies (EFT) business unit, to understand their product portfolio and recent innovations.
• Research the food processing industry in France and the Maghreb, including key players, market trends, and challenges that GEA's solutions address.
• Look up recent news or press releases about GEA's projects or expansions in the region to demonstrate your proactive interest.
• Understand GEA's sustainability focus and how it aligns with their extrusion solutions, as this is a core part of their value proposition.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Can you describe your experience in selling capital equipment or technical solutions to food manufacturers? How do you approach the sales cycle?
• What do you know about GEA's extrusion technologies and how they benefit food producers?
• How would you identify and prioritize new business opportunities in the France and Maghreb regions?
• Describe a time when you had to understand a client's technical requirements and propose a tailored solution. What was the outcome?
• How do you manage long sales cycles and multiple stakeholders in a B2B environment? Provide an example.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic applications that don't demonstrate specific knowledge of GEA's extrusion solutions or the food processing industry.
• Don't overlook the technical aspect of the role; failing to show how you can understand and sell complex equipment will be a drawback.
• Avoid neglecting the Maghreb market in your application; show awareness of its cultural and business nuances and your ability to navigate them.