Since 1792, we’ve been supplying 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.
We now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to join AkzoNobel as Distribution Sales Manager Nordics & Baltics. Based in Norway, this is a chance to take on a strategically important role within our Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings business – driving growth, building strong partnerships, and contributing to the future of a market in transformation.
Why should you work at AkzoNobel?
With us at AkzoNobel you are met by a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where we work together with a focus on innovation and sustainability, to achieve the goal of being a world leader in the colour industry. Diversity enriches our workplaces, and we work actively together with our employees to make them feel comfortable and develop. We work strategically to become a better employer. This result, among other things, in that we are appointed to one of Sweden's Career Companies and have received Top Employer certification 2025. We offer you an international working environment where you get to take on rewarding and challenging tasks that broaden your horizons and develop you in your role. You will work with competent and like-minded colleagues who share your attitude and enthusiasm. Welcome to us!
About the role
In the role as Distribution Sales Manager Nordics & Baltics, you will take ownership of the distributor business within your region. You will be part of a European sales team and combine operational customer responsibility with strategic influence, making you a key voice in shaping the direction of the segment.
AkzoNobel is a global leader in coatings, recognized for strong brands, innovation, and a clear commitment to sustainability. Within our Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings business, we deliver advanced solutions that protect ships, offshore installations, and critical infrastructure worldwide. This position offers you the opportunity to contribute to that mission while developing distributor sales in a highly competitive and evolving market.
Key responsibilities include:
• Develop and execute sales plans and tactics for distributors, delivering on volume, revenue and margin targets.
• Contribute to the development of the segment sales strategy and identify new opportunities and risks.
• Create and implement customer plans in line with regional and global initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong networks across multiple levels within customer organizations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase customer value – in areas such as forecasting, service, capacity, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to prioritize development projects and customer trials.
• Initiate and lead new business projects with key accounts to expand sales and strengthen long-term partnerships.
This is a permanent position with a start date as soon as possible. The role is based in Norway and reports to the Sales Manager Distribution, Europe.
Who are you
We are looking for a commercially driven and relationship-oriented professional who thrives in an international environment. You are confident in taking decisions, spotting opportunities, and combining a strategic perspective with hands-on customer management. With your business acumen and ability to build trust, you will play a central role in growing the business and supporting our customers.
We believe you have:
• Minimum 5 years of experience in sales, key account management, or other commercial roles with strategic customer responsibility.
• A bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field.
• Experience from Marine and Protective Coatings is a strong advantage.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to build relationships at multiple levels.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Commercial mindset and the ability to create value-based propositions.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Previous experience in coatings or another B2B industry environment is beneficial but not essential.
Your application
At AkzoNobel we are very committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best selves. We strive to embrace diversity, tolerance and respect. Our recruitment process plays a major role in this journey as it lays the foundation for a diverse work environment. In our organization, all qualified applicants are treated from an equal perspective regardless of ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability.
We review applications on an ongoing basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that we do not accept applications via email.
For more information about the role, please contact Federico Criso, Sales Manager Distribution, federico.criso@akzonobel.com
For information about the role and recruitment process, please contact Ami Sandberg, Talent Acquisition Partner Nordics, ami.sandberg@akzonobel.com
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