Area Sales Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

AkzoNobel is seeking an experienced Area Sales Manager to drive market development and sales growth across Christchurch and the South Island, collaborating with Sales, Key Account Management, Marketing, Supply Chain and Partners to convert specifications into profitable sales. The role emphasizes building partnerships with applicators, fabricators, contractors, owners, consultants and architects, managing accounts, forecasting, stock planning and CRM data integrity, and delivering service solutions while meeting NZ KPIs. To apply, tailor your resume to show 5+ years in coatings sales, proven relationship management, and exposure to steel coatings or blast cleaning; highlight CRM proficiency, regulatory and safety compliance, measurable wins, and your ability to thrive in a diverse, inclusive culture.

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re 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. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Area Sales Manager to support sales growth and market penetration within the coatings industry across the Christchurch region and wider South Island. This role works closely with Sales, Key Account Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Distribution Partners to identify opportunities, build strong customer relationships, and convert specifications into profitable sales.

You will play a key role in developing long-term partnerships with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors, owners, consultants, and architects while contributing to regional and company growth strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Opportunity Management

• Conduct continuous market and lead research to gain in-depth knowledge of the value chain within the assigned region
• Identify and develop significant business opportunities with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors (direct and indirect), owners, consultants, and architects
• Lead relationship-building activities, identify customer challenges, gain specification positions, and convert opportunities into sales
• Actively contribute to sales growth and profitability in line with company and regional strategies, including Focus Products, Services, and Partner Acceleration

Customer & Account Management

• Build, maintain, and enhance customer satisfaction, engagement, and long-term relationships with direct and strategic accounts
• Regularly call on assigned customers to maintain close market contact and opportunity visibility
• Plan, monitor, execute, and report on sales and opportunity activities for designated customers and prospects
• Deliver periodic business reviews and contribute to the development of sales and business growth plans
• Promote a positive company image through active participation in customer meetings and industry events

Sales Execution & Collaboration

• Cascade product and service information to customers and prospects, clearly communicating features and benefits
• Educate customers on technical requirements, product ranges, and available support tools
• Work closely with Supply Chain and internal teams on forecasting, planning, and stock management to ensure optimal customer experience
• Support the implementation and delivery of regional service solutions and targets
• Assist with overdues management in collaboration with RSM, Sales Support, and AR to meet NZ business KPIs
• Ensure forecasting accuracy in line with NZ business KPI requirements

Reporting, Systems & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date customer and opportunity records in CRM systems
• Provide ongoing feedback on customer needs and competitive activity to support further market penetration
• Ensure sales tools, systems, and support resources are available to enable effective execution of plans
• Comply with all corporate, site, HSES, and personal conduct policies and procedures
• Actively contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture

Job Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the coatings industry
• Proven sales experience, with the ability to engage effectively with customers at all levels
• Strong customer focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent technical qualification
• NACE CIP Level 1 or FROSIO certification
• Experience or knowledge of steel coatings, blast cleaning, and application processes
• Experience working with contracting companies and technical personnel
• 10 years’ sales experience
• Strong computer literacy and CRM experience
• Understanding of broader commercial and business drivers in a sales role

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.