About this job

Fuel is more than just energy. It is a matter of regulation, traceability, and taxation. Across Europe, governments and industries rely on highly specialised chemical markers and dyes to differentiate fuel types, ensure compliance, and prevent fraud. This role sits at the intersection of chemistry, regulation, and international trade, where precision and reliability are critical.

Our client develops and supplies specialty dyes and chemical markers, primarily used in fuels such as red diesel for tax differentiation and heating oils, while also expanding into broader industrial applications. They support government bodies, energy companies, and industrial distributors by ensuring that fuel products are traceable, compliant, and aligned with evolving regulations, combining technical expertise with strong commercial responsiveness.

Following significant growth from around 50 to more than 100 employees in the past 2 years, the company is now structuring its international commercial organisation.

This is a new strategic hire and the first Key Account Manager based in France.

You will report directly to the Head of Sales and join a growing European team alongside two Key Account Managers covering Southern Europe and the DACH region.

This is a role for someone who is already comfortable operating with autonomy in a technical sales environment and who wants to take ownership of key accounts end to end.

You will manage direct client relationships, contribute to pricing decisions with the support of the Head of Sales, and lead or support tender processes in regulated environments.

Your goal is to develop and manage key accounts across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, while contributing to future expansion into additional European markets.

You will build long term relationships with industrial and public sector clients, many of whom operate in regulated or government linked environments requiring a structured and professional approach.

You will manage repeat business cycles driven by seasonal demand and regulatory frameworks, lead and contribute to tender processes, and identify growth opportunities within existing and new accounts.

You will collaborate closely with technical, operations, and finance teams to ensure a consistent and high-quality client experience, contribute to pricing strategy and commercial decisions, and provide market insights to support future expansion, particularly towards Northern Europe.

What makes this role different is the combination of a highly specialised and technical market with real barriers to entry, and the opportunity to have a direct impact on strategic accounts rather than purely transactional sales.

You will join a company in a strong growth phase where structures are still evolving, offering visibility and influence, as well as exposure to both public and private sector clients across multiple geographies.

The business is built on a profitable and stable model, with a profit-sharing scheme that has consistently delivered strong returns over the past years.

This role combines technical understanding with commercial ownership in a way that offers both depth and autonomy.

This position will suit individuals with a scientific degree (BSc, MSc, and/or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or closely related) and previous scientific sales/account management experience.

The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in a technical environment, able to combine analytical thinking with sound commercial judgment.

You take initiative, work autonomously, and feel at ease managing complex stakeholders and long sales cycles.

You are confident working across cultures and geographies and are motivated by building lasting relationships rather than short term wins.

This opportunity is well suited to someone who wants to take ownership of their accounts and decisions, and who is looking to grow within a company where expansion creates real opportunities.

It will appeal to those who enjoy working in a specialised and less saturated market, who value proximity to decision makers, and who want to contribute to a business where their impact is visible.

The team is international and growing, with close collaboration between commercial, technical, and leadership functions.

The role can be based anywhere in France, with flexibility depending on proximity to key clients located mostly around Marseille and in Normandy, and will involve regular travel to client sites, including industrial or more remote locations.

Compensation includes a base salary in the range of 60/65K€, with flexibility for the right profile, as well as a profit-sharing scheme based on company performance that has historically represented between 20% & up to 40% of base salary.

A company car can also be provided.

The recruitment process includes an initial conversation with VRS to introduce the role and context, followed by a remote interview and an on-site meeting including a presentation.

The process is designed to be transparent and efficient and is typically completed within a few weeks.

If you are looking for a role that combines technical depth, commercial ownership, and international exposure, you are encouraged to apply or to reach out for an informal first discussion!