Technical Sales Manager

In breve

UPM, a global leader in renewable alternatives to fossil‑based materials, is seeking a Technical Sales Manager for its Milan‑based or remote Italian team. The role sits within the Technical Sales Support organisation and reports to the Senior Manager, Technical Support EMEIA, helping turn technical know‑how into customer value and new business for UPM Adhesive Materials. The day‑to‑day work centers on driving sales through technical expertise and customer interaction. The manager will act as the primary technical contact for clients, coordinating inquiries, qualifications and complex support with internal functions. Responsibilities include identifying and shaping technically demanding opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, testing, validation and moving projects to commercial implementation. The role also leads end‑to‑end customer technical projects, planning, stakeholder coordination, risk management and documentation, while supporting product homologation, trials and new product roll‑outs. Gathering market, application and competitor intelligence to inform portfolio development is another key task. Candidates must possess deep knowledge of pressure‑sensitive label materials and hands‑on experience with label converting, printing and application technologies. They need to understand label product specifications, material performance and customer process requirements. A commercial mindset is required to link technical solutions with customer value and profitable growth. Prior experience in customer‑facing technical roles such as consultative selling, application development or technical service is essential, as is the ability to manage projects independently, coordinate cross‑functional teams and drive decisions. Strong communication skills across organisational levels, analytical thinking combined with practical problem‑solving, self‑leadership and the capacity to thrive in a changing international environment are also required. Frequent travel within the assigned market and fluency in both English and Italian are mandatory. Preferred attributes include a proactive, curious attitude and the ability to build trusted, long‑term relationships with customers. The position offers a permanent contract under the CCNL Terziario, Distribuzione e Servizi (Confcommercio) collective agreement, with a gross annual salary ranging from €51,900 to €86,500 (including 13th and 14th payments). Additional benefits may comprise meal vouchers, health insurance and other company programmes. UPM promotes a meaningful purpose, a caring community, development opportunities, and a strong sustainability focus, providing a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. What the role asks for: - Expertise in pressure‑sensitive label materials - Experience in label converting, printing and application technologies - Proven customer‑facing technical or consultative selling experience - Ability to manage projects independently and coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders - Strong communication skills at multiple organisational levels - Fluency in English (professional) and Italian (professional) - Willingness to travel frequently within the market - Self‑leadership, prioritisation and analytical problem‑solving skills (nice‑to‑have)