Your Role 

As an External Account Manager – Mining (Brenntag Essentials), you will drive growth of our commodity chemical portfolio within the mining sector. You will leverage your industry network, technical understanding, and commercial acumen to develop new business, unlock value in existing accounts, and position Brenntag as a trusted supply partner to mining operations and contractors. You will act as the primary interface between customers and the business, ensuring sustainable revenue growth, margin optimisation, and long-term partnerships across your portfolio.

Responsibilities 

• Manage and grow a portfolio of mining customers (category A & B)
• Identify, develop, and close new business opportunities within the mining sector (e.g. reagents, bulk commodities, process chemicals)
• Expand product penetration within existing accounts by identifying cross-selling and upselling opportunities
• Build strong, solution-driven relationships with key stakeholders (procurement, metallurgists, plant managers, engineers)
• Achieve and exceed sales and gross profit targets, with a focus on margin optimisation
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline (minimum 3x monthly target) within the mining sector
• Conduct regular customer site visits (minimum 20 per week), including mine site engagement and technical discussions
• Monitor market trends, commodity cycles, and competitor activity within the mining industry
• Provide accurate forecasting, reporting, and CRM updates
• Collaborate with Product Managers and Technical teams to deliver fit-for-purpose chemical solutions
• Ensure compliance with safety, Hazchem, and regulatory requirements relevant to mining environments
• Adhere to company policies, SOPs, and governance frameworks at all times

Your Profile 

You are a commercially astute sales professional with proven experience selling chemicals into the mining sector. You understand mining operations, are confident engaging at multiple levels within customer organisations, and can balance volume-driven commodity sales with margin discipline. You are resilient, network-driven, and able to navigate complex, relationship-based sales environments typical of the mining industry.

Skills 

• Strong B2B sales and negotiation skills within mining or industrial sectors
• Ability to build credibility with technical and operational stakeholders
• Strong pipeline development and new business hunting capability
• Commercial acumen with focus on margin protection and profitability
• Excellent planning, organisational, and territory management skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in CRM systems and MS Office
• Ability to operate independently in a field-based, target-driven role

Experience 

• 5–8 years’ experience in external sales within chemicals, mining supply, or industrial sectors
• Proven track record selling into mining operations (essential)
• Experience with commodity chemicals, reagents, or bulk chemical supply into mining environments
• Established network within mining industry (advantageous)
• Demonstrated ability to open new accounts and grow existing portfolios
• Experience in forecasting, pipeline management, and CRM reporting
• Exposure to pricing strategies, cost optimisation, and margin management
• Familiarity with chemical handling, safety, and regulatory requirements
• SAP knowledge advantageous
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel extensively to mine sites

Education 

• Matric
• Tertiary qualification in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgy, or Commercial field
• Additional mining or chemical industry training will be advantageous

Our Offer 

• Competitive and fair salary

• Retirement savings plan

• Professional development opportunities

Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Brenntag TA Team