Business Development Manager (Industrial Manufacturing)

  • AkzoNobel
  • Houston, Texas
  • Full Time

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, weve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color peoples lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon is trusted by customers around the globe. Were active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. Its what youd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company thats dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Lets paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com

2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to create and deliver the strategy for Heavy Industry. The primary industries currently are AI Data Centers, Semiconductors & Automotive facilities requiring industrial coatings. Additionally, the role will develop and manage business relationships with strategic accounts within the region.

Key Responsibilities
  • Works closely together with Marketing to perform continuous market research for in depth market knowledge of the value chain of the strategic account(s) within the dedicated region in context of possible further market penetration.
  • Maintains professional relationships with strategic accounts within the dedicated region.
  • Maintains a healthy pipeline for strategic growth.
  • Applies agreed sales strategies towards selected key prospects; negotiates terms and conditions of contracts.
  • Manages relationships with existing strategic customers and mobilizes mutual profitability growth.
  • Plans, monitors, participates in and reports on execution of sales activities conducted with regard to designated customers.
  • Assesses validity of the requested investment projects, prepares and submits relevant documentation for approvals.
  • Promotes positive company image and develops long-term relations with assigned accounts by participating in customer events.
  • Regularly calls on assigned existing and potential customers to maintain close contact with the marketplace.
  • Cascades information to designated customers on features and benefits of available products/services.
  • Identifies and follows up on significant business opportunities, pinpoints existing and/or potential problems and arranges for resolution.
  • Delivers periodical business reviews and actively participates in development of business growth and sales support plans for designated customers.
  • Assists in implementation of business solutions within area of services\ Rolls-out regional sales programs (including, sales process-related knowledge / tools).
  • Regularly and pro-actively informs back-office (including, marketing, technical, logistics and finance) about required sales support level and coordinates actions towards assigned customers.
  • Systematically up-dates customers databases with valid, accurate and complete customer-related information.
  • Provides information to customer service regarding customers needs with regard to marketing tools, services and analyzes.
  • Arranges for and monitors quality of technical support provided by the technical unit in handling complex customers inquiries and in resolution of complaints.
  • Practices applicable corporate as well as site policies/procedures with regard to personal conduct and HSE standards and acting in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Level of Autonomy
  • Negotiation of pricing, contracts, and services with external customers
  • Manage negotiations to mitigate claims
Job Requirements
  • Minimum of 10 years of commercial experience in coatings or chemical in a B2B environment.
  • Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred
  • 5-7 years of applying specialized knowledge of coatings technology and applications
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with a results-oriented mentality and drive to win. Excellent writing, IT presentations, public speaking, and one-to-one negotiations skills
  • Strong project management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills - communicate effectively with all customer levels (business owners, purchasing personnel, engineering, product users, and internally at all levels).
  • Ability to travel over 50% of the time and work a flexible work schedule.
  • Must be able to participate and complete a qualitative and quantitative respirator fit test, and use a respirator as required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Heavy Industry contract chain, quality existing relationships within the targeted segments, and a history of success in developing and implementing strategy
Total Compensation
  • The salary range is commensurate dependent upon skills and experience. In addition, there is an Annual Bonus scheme in place.
  • 401K retirement savings with a 6% company match
  • Medical insurance with HSA
  • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
  • Generous vacation, sick, and holiday pay
  • Short & Long-term disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
  • Employee referral plan
  • Employee appreciation days

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 47516

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Job ID: 483576944
Originally Posted on: 7/1/2025

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