Sales Representative (Gateshead, GB)

A Deep Dive into the Sales Representative Opportunity at AkzoNobel: Shape the Future with a Global Leader

AkzoNobel, a company with over two centuries of pioneering innovation in paints and coatings, offers a compelling opportunity for a Sales Representative within its Protective Coatings division. This role is not just about sales; it's about building relationships, strategically developing business, and contributing to the sustained growth of a global leader committed to sustainability and innovation.

Here’s what makes this opportunity stand out for ambitious sales professionals:

• Work for an Established Global Innovator: With a heritage stretching back to 1792 and a presence in over 150 countries, AkzoNobel is a household name in coatings, boasting world-class brands like Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon. Joining this team means aligning with a company that has consistently invented the future and is dedicated to being the global industry leader and most sustainable paints company. This offers unparalleled stability and a platform for significant impact.
• A Strategic and Impactful Sales Role: As a Sales Representative in the Protective Coatings division, you will be instrumental in maximizing sales and profit by engaging directly with the contract chain, including key stakeholders such as Architects, Specifiers, and Engineers. This isn't transactional sales; it's about developing strong, lasting relationships and providing technical guidance to ensure clients choose AkzoNobel's industry-leading products.
• Focus on Growth and Collaboration: The role emphasizes identifying and winning new business, collaborating on regional sales plans, and crafting compelling value propositions. You'll also gather vital market intelligence, making you a key contributor to the company's strategic responses to market trends and opportunities.
• Commitment to Employee Development and Well-being: AkzoNobel clearly articulates a dedication to personal development, offering roles with significant scope and impact. Beyond professional growth, they provide a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary and bonus, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), income protection, life assurance, a company pension, and a flexible benefits scheme. They also actively promote a healthy work-life balance and mental well-being, including considering flexible working options.
• Inclusive and Supportive Culture: The company is highly committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, embracing diversity and tolerance. Their talent acquisition process is designed to mitigate unconscious bias, ensuring all qualified applicants receive fair consideration. This commitment creates an environment where employees can truly be their best selves.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

To excel in this role, candidates should note the following:

• Industry-Specific Experience is a Strong Asset: While AkzoNobel encourages applications even if you don't meet every single criterion, prior experience in protective coatings sales is explicitly listed as a requirement. This indicates the depth of technical understanding and market knowledge desired for this specialized role.
• Relationship Building is Paramount: The emphasis on developing "excellent relationships with customers" and "nurturing in-depth client relationships" highlights that success hinges on strong interpersonal skills and a consultative sales approach.
• Technical Acumen is Essential: You'll need to develop a strong technical understanding of the product range to effectively address customer needs and provide expert guidance. This role merges sales prowess with technical expertise.
• Strategic and Analytical Mindset: Beyond closing deals, the role requires gathering market intelligence and collaborating on regional sales plans, suggesting a need for a strategic and analytical approach to sales.
• Location and Flexibility: The position is home/field-based, preferably in the North West. Candidates should be comfortable with a dynamic, mobile work environment and managing a diverse range of customers from various professional backgrounds.

This Sales Representative role at AkzoNobel offers a fantastic opportunity for a driven individual to join a company that values innovation, sustainability, and its people. If you are a sales professional with a passion for building relationships, a strategic mind, and ideally, experience in protective coatings, this could be your next significant career step in an inclusive and forward-thinking global organization.