Area Sales Manager

**Date**:Oct 18, 2024

**Location**: Port Melbourne, AU

**Company**:AkzoNobel

**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.

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

**About The Role**:
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven **Area Sales Manager** to join our team in Melbourne, based out of our Port Melbourne Office. In this role, you will be responsible for driving sales growth of our **International® **brand of Protective Coatings in the Melbourne Metro area and East Victoria. Reporting to the Regional Sales Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing new client relationships, managing existing accounts, and securing specification positions on targeted projects.

As an Area Sales Manager, you will be engaging with a diverse range of customers including asset owners, fabricators, blast and paint contractors, distributors, engineers, consultants, specifiers, and architects. This role involves complex interactions that require problem-solving, technical assistance, and the promotion of International's product range. Given the nature of the role, a quick response is essential to manage multiple concurrent projects and customer demands effectively.

**We will count on you to**:

- Maintain a keen understanding of the Marine and Protective Coatings (MPC) industry, including new products and trends, and analyse customer needs and circumstances.
- Cultivate new and existing customer relationships, identify new projects and emerging users of Marine and Protective coatings, and build credibility through technical advice and assistance.
- Provide initial after-sales technical service and problem-solving to customers, technical personnel, and facility owners, escalating complex issues to the Regional Sales Manager or Technical Group as needed.
- Collaborate with the Regional Sales Manager to develop sales plans and budget forecasts.
- Visit customer sites to assess requirements and negotiate the sale of International Marine and Protective Coatings products.
- Oversee product Average Selling Price and Contribution Margin through detailed pricing analysis and discussions with the Regional Manager.
- Actively engage in regular sales meetings, stock demand planning, and forecasting meetings.
- Attend internal conferences and training sessions as directed by company policies and the Regional Sales Manager.
- Follow up on late payments and work with the credit team to ensure timely collection of overdue accounts.
- Participate in local Australian Corrosion Association conferences, seminars, and social functions.
- Produce and administer appropriate documentation in accordance with ISO9001 requirements and statutory authorities.
- Maintain close contact with the MPC sales force, including the Regional Sales Manager, other Area Sales Managers, Customer Service team, Key Account Managers, Strategic Account Managers, and Technical Service staff to effectively secure sales and Fee for Service opportunities.

**Other responsibilities**:

- Work with 3rd Party Distributors/Dealers to grow sales volumes in line with company targets, conducting audits and regular check-ins as agreed with the Regional Sales Manager and Distribution Manager.
- Provide monthly sales reports as per the template provided by the Regional Sales Manager.
- Ensure compliance with Behavioural Based Safety (BBS) requirements and hazard reporting.
- Monitor personal activities to assess performance and take corrective action as needed.
- Operate as part of a customer-focused team at both local and national levels.
- Deliver presentations to customers, architects, engineers, and facility owners to promote International Paint products and drive sales growth.
- Track competitor activity in the market, including pricing trends, strategy, distribution, and new product introductions.

**What We're Looking For**:

- Proven experience in sales, preferably within the coatings or related industry.
- Strong negotiation and influencing skills with a customer-focused approach.
- Proficiency in using CRM systems, MS Office and computer technology.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- High level of personal organisation and attention to detail.
- Degree or Diploma in Science or Engineering (desirable).
- ACA Inspection Certificate or NA