European Key Account Manager (M,F,X)
- Den Haag, Zuid-Holland Delfzijl, Groningen
- Vast
- Voltijds
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key accounts in the paints and coatings sector across Europe.
- Act as the primary point of contact, understanding client needs, challenges, and business objectives.
- Conduct regular client meetings, site visits, and product demonstrations to strengthen partnerships.
- Achieve and exceed sales targets by identifying new business opportunities and expanding existing accounts.
- Develop account strategies and sales plans tailored to the paints and coatings market, focusing on market trends and customer requirements.
- Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities for paints, coatings, and related products.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies.
- Collaborate with technical and R&D teams to provide customized solutions that meet customer specifications (e.g., performance, sustainability, or regulatory requirements).
- Provide expertise on product applications, including coatings formulations, performance characteristics, and industry standards.
- Address customer inquiries and resolve issues related to product performance, delivery, or quality.
- Development of a robust sales pipeline, ensuring consistent lead generation and opportunity progression.
- Work with management to identify, qualify, and prioritize sales opportunities, aligning with customer needs and market trends.
- Utilize CRM (Dynamics) to track pipeline health, forecast sales, and report on key metrics to senior leadership.
- Implement strategies to accelerate deal closures while maintaining profitability and alignment with customer expectations.
- Drive sustainable growth by promoting eco-friendly solutions that comply with EU regulations (i.e. REACH, PFAS restrictions).
- Partner with R&D and marketing teams to position sustainable products (i.e. PTFE-free) as competitive differentiators.
- Develop strategies to expand market share in key European regions, focusing on long-term partnerships that align with the company's sustainability goals.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to inform sales strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing to develop targeted campaigns, technical collateral, and customer training programs.
- Working very closely with the PCG European management team on all aspects of business and resourcing.
- Work with supply chain and operations teams to ensure product availability and timely delivery to partners.
- Provide customer feedback to product development teams to drive innovation in paints and coatings solutions.
- 5+ years of sales experience in the chemical, paints and coatings industry.
- Proven track record of strong commercial account management, driving revenue growth in the European market.
- Experience in customer relationship management, pipeline development, and opportunity management in B2B settings.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in English (additional European languages, e.g., German, French, or Spanish, are a plus).
- Account management - growth and expansion mindset
- Strategic thinker with expertise in pipeline management, forecasting, and deal negotiation.
- Technical understanding of paints and coatings applications
- Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Willingness to travel extensively across Europe (up to 60% of the time).
- Valid driver's license and passport for international travel.
- A passion for sustainability and customer-centric solutions.
- Relationship-driven, with a talent for building trust and long-term partnerships.
- Be a champion for Lubrizol values and standards, become a “Brand Ambassador”.
- Results-oriented, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and opportunity creation.
- Adaptable and resilient, able to navigate complex markets and regulatory environments.