Area Sales Manager

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Area Sales Manager in Chile, ideally based in Antofagasta, on a contractor basis, reporting to the Regional Sales Manager.

Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand. JOB SUMMARY:

Develop, lead and execute the commercial strategy for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) products, ensuring sustainable business growth through a combination of technical knowledge and commercial management. Introduce brand awareness through product approvals for end users, primarily in the gas and oil, mining, and energy sectors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Development with End Users

• Introduce and position the brand through technical homologation processes with strategic clients.
• Identify opportunities in companies within the oil and gas, mining, and energy sectors.

Homologation Management

• Lead the complete product homologation process: technical presentation, testing, validation, and follow-up.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and standards required by each industry (e.g., safety, technical certifications).

Key Client Relationships

• Develop strong relationships with technical, purchasing, HSE (Health, Safety & Environment), and operations departments.
• Act as the technical-commercial point of contact throughout the product evaluation process.

Technical Support and Consulting

• Provide specialized support on the product portfolio (PPE, technical clothing, etc.).
• Train end users on the benefits, proper use, and regulatory compliance of the products.

Market Analysis

• Identify trends, customer needs, and specific technical requirements by industry. • Monitor competitor products and homologation requirements for each account.

Internal coordination

• Work with sales, marketing, and product development teams to adapt solutions to customer requirements.
• Provide feedback to the organization with market insights for continuous portfolio improvement.

Tracking and conversion

• Ensure that homologated products translate into technical specifications and purchase orders.
• Follow up on projects until their effective field implementation.

REQUIREMENTS

• +5 years experience selling PPE, workwear or safety wear.
• Experience selling on behalf of a manufacturer, distributor, reseller or agent
• Sales experience in construction, oil & gas, mining.
• Key account management is desirable.
• Intermediate/Advanced English level is desirable.
• Drive to continue sales growth of Portwest through field sales.
• Clean driving licence and willingness to travel throughout your designated region.
• Own transportation
• Proficiency in CRM, Excel, ERP systems.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills
• Positive attitude with a winning mentality
• Excellent team player

COMPANY AWARDS

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.