**Specification Sales Representative (Powder Coatings, Oil and Gas) - Houston, TX**

**Location:** Reading, PA, US ****Job Purpose****

As experts in the paints and coatings industry, AkzoNobel consistently delivers the most sustainable solutions for our customers in the most demanding environments around the world. Our approach to sustainable business People. Planet. Paint.

We are recruiting for a **Specification Sales Representative** for our industrial and consumer powder coatings product line. This position will be the frontline salesperson responsible for the execution of agreed sales and profitability targets for the oil and gas industry. Focusing on the specified segment and powder coating application market, this role interfaces with key stakeholders and decision-makers to influence the selection of AkzoNobel products at a projects specification phase.

* Educate Architects, Specifiers, Contractors, Project Original Equipment Manufacturer and other key stakeholders through presentations and providing updates on new materials and refreshing knowledge on current technologies

* Promote AkzoNobel products and new technologies that support the specified market segment

* Coordinate and communicate timely information from the Global and Regional Marketing teams through to regional stakeholders

* Assume commercial responsibilities, in a limited geographical territory, for development and maintenance of target segment accounts

* Acquire technical and commercial knowledge on respective global market/industry performance specifications (i.e., AAMA, Qualicoat, and GSB) to present to a target audience

* Responsible for compiling and maintaining a portfolio of the key stakeholders for a given market (i.e. architects, specifiers, contractors, associations, suppliers, and support network) for the specified segment in the region

* Create and maintain a network of segment contacts

* Identify, develop, educate and secure specification positions of top accounts with short term high value project potential

* Track regional projects and quantifying values relating to powder coating in the region. Document in customer relationship management system all project leads and secured specifications

* Support Account Managers in the region with the target segment accounts through customer visits, education and communications

* Support Account Managers and Technical Service Representatives by providing communications on product updates and new technologies from Global and other North American regions. Collaborate through customer visits and other communications to educate the market

* Attend regional events and tradeshows that support the market segment

* Report activities, plans, and efforts to the Regional Manager and North America Marketing team

* Communicate with colleagues in other regions that support the same market segment and relay the information back to the local stakeholders

* Support key assigned accounts with commercial duties relating to the business:

Provide front line support for powder coating applications at strategic accounts

Actively manage the Cost-to-Serve at each account

Actively manage travel and expense budgets for the territory

Use and management of Sales Force Automation Tools utilized by the business unit. (CRM)

Operate and practice according to AkzoNobel Code of Conduct

Participate in the New Product Process through development of ideas and information to support new stage gate processes

****Education and Experience****

* Bachelors degree in Business Management, Chemical Engineering or related field

* 3-5 years experience in commercial, sales and key account management, or sales to strategic accounts in paints and coatings or related business-to-business industry. Specification sales experience preferred

* Must possess commercial and business acumen as well as an understanding of cross functional processes and financial concepts related to sales and cost to serve

* Effective problem solving and decision-making skills

* Effective customer service and project management skills. Must be able to manage stakeholders

* Effective communication and presentation skills

* Ability to create value propositions

* Must be driven and results-oriented

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Customer Relationship Management software required

* Ability to travel 50%. Overnight travel may be required

****Position Benefits****

**Employee Benefits**

This position is a full-time opportunity with AkzoNobel with employee benefits that are effective the first day of employment.

**Compensation**

This position will receive an annual base salary and is eligible for an annual 35% bonus.

**Vehicle**

This position will be assigned a company vehicle.

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