European Account Manager

Job Title: European Account Manager – Paints & Coatings

Location: Remote/Field-Based – (Germany with preference for candidates near major industrial hubs)

Reports To: European Sales Manager – Paints & Coatings

Job Summary

The Account Manager (AM) for Paints & Coatings Europe will be responsible for managing and growing relationships with key paints and coatings customers across the European region. The role focuses on driving sales growth, ensuring customer satisfaction, and delivering tailored solutions to meet client needs in the paints and coatings industry. The AM will act as the primary point of contact for clients, collaborating with internal teams to provide technical expertise, product solutions, and exceptional service. Our solutions include a range of Hyper-Dispersants, Surface Modifiers (Waxes), Resins and Polymers, Dispersions and Formulated Solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Relationship Management

• 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.

Maintain accurate records of sales activities, customer interactions, and pipeline updates in the CRM system.

Sales and Business Development

• 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.

Technical Support and Solutions

• 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.

Pipeline and Opportunity Management:

• 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.

Sustainable Business Growth:

• 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.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• 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.

Qualifications and Skills

Education: Bachelor's degree within Business, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• 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.

Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with fluency in German and English (additional European languages, e.g., Italian, French, or Spanish, are a plus).

• Account management - growth and expansion mindset with large multisite manufacturers

• 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.

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe (up to 60% of the time).

• Valid driver's license and passport for international travel.

Personal Attributes

• 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.

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