Technical application manager POW EMEA

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 Dulux, 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.

Job Purpose

This is a customer focused position that works in close contact with New Business Development/Sales, (Segment)Marketing, Market Intelligence and Research & Development to best service our new and existing Powder Coatings Customers.

The incumbent to this position is responsible for initiating and implementing all coating line application technical work and aligns with global/regional market- as well as technical teams to secure, support and develop our powder coatings business (Powder on Wood).

In addition to growing the business in the established product lines and application areas, the position is expected to significantly contribute to the business development program through development of new application areas, assistance in developing new products and leadership in introducing new products to the market.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage our Technical Service Center for AKZO Nobel Powder on Wood in Como.
• Responsible for training of sales force, regional technical service managers and distributors in the field of low cure powder coatings.
• Create excitement with new customers for powder coatings on heat sensitive substrates.
• Identify and prioritize new business opportunities together with regional NBD/sales.
• Manage the process of sample making and testing for customers as part of the 7 step Sales Process for Powder on Wood.
• Interpret customer requirements and define most suitable coatings process as well as product offer (within Technical Service Center).
• De-risk the decision-making process for a new coating line at customer level.
• Promote value added sales through providing application technical service.
• Maintain regular contact with key accounts and other industry accounts through visits to their coating locations.
• Maintain regular contact with industry associations and participate in industry association meetings.
• Maintain regular contact with coating line equipment manufacturers.
• Provide information on technical (application) trends and opportunities to marketing and R&D crew.
  
  

Key Activities

• Prepare and present technical papers and assist in developing marketing literature where needed as it relates to powder coatings.
• Support new product development relative to their application parameters, developing fundamental application technology know-how, trouble-shooting and problem resolution pertaining to existing technologies.
• Work with responsible NBD manager to define customer application requirements, design test requirements, execute tests with R&D/technical service and outline product application boundaries.
  
  

Experience

• A minimum of a BS or BA in an allied scientific field with at least 5 years of associated technical experience.
• Deep know-how of and experience with the application of low cure powder coatings.
• Full understanding of all available low cure technologies and the related issues and benefits. Ability to specify the right technology based on customer requirements
  
  

Requirements

• Solid understanding of substrate challenges related to low cure powder coating.
• Strong experience level related to the specification and performance of coating lines for wood. Ability to improve line performance through adjusted settings.
• Ability to understand coating line (Quality System) process data and define improvement actions.
• Ability to manage many parallel projects.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service through excellent interpersonal skills, technical skills, presentation and computer skills.
• Availability of commercial skills is a strong plus (technical/commercial profile).
• Computer skills in Microsoft office, specifically excel, power point and word. SAP and Salesforce.com experience is a plus.
• Excellent English level
• Ability to teach and train technical personnel and distributors from a basis of superior know-how and understanding.
• Knowledge on formulation development, powder manufacturing and color theory is a strong plus.
• Must be able to travel 25% of time to customer trials and product launches, including weekends.
• Ability to effectively plan and execute work schedule with minimal oversite of direct supervisor required.
  
  

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: 46469