Job Description
Date: Feb 5, 2026
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Company: AkzoNobel
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including 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.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com
© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Area Sales Manager to support sales growth and market penetration within the coatings industry across the Christchurch region and wider South Island. This role works closely with Sales, Key Account Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Distribution Partners to identify opportunities, build strong customer relationships, and convert specifications into profitable sales.
You will play a key role in developing long-term partnerships with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors, owners, consultants, and architects while contributing to regional and company growth strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Market Development & Opportunity Management
Conduct continuous market and lead research to gain in-depth knowledge of the value chain within the assigned region
Identify and develop significant business opportunities with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors (direct and indirect), owners, consultants, and architects
Lead relationship-building activities, identify customer challenges, gain specification positions, and convert opportunities into sales
Actively contribute to sales growth and profitability in line with company and regional strategies, including Focus Products, Services, and Partner Acceleration
Customer & Account Management
Build, maintain, and enhance customer satisfaction, engagement, and long-term relationships with direct and strategic accounts
Regularly call on assigned customers to maintain close market contact and opportunity visibility
Plan, monitor, execute, and report on sales and opportunity activities for designated customers and prospects
Deliver periodic business reviews and contribute to the development of sales and business growth plans
Promote a positive company image through active participation in customer meetings and industry events
Sales Execution & Collaboration
Cascade product and service information to customers and prospects, clearly communicating features and benefits
Educate customers on technical requirements, product ranges, and available support tools
Work closely with Supply Chain and internal teams on forecasting, planning, and stock management to ensure optimal customer experience
Support the implementation and delivery of regional service solutions and targets
Assist with overdues management in collaboration with RSM, Sales Support, and AR to meet NZ business KPIs
Ensure forecasting accuracy in line with NZ business KPI requirements
Reporting, Systems & Compliance
Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date customer and opportunity records in CRM systems
Provide ongoing feedback on customer needs and competitive activity to support further market penetration
Ensure sales tools, systems, and support resources are available to enable effective execution of plans
Comply with all corporate, site, HSES, and personal conduct policies and procedures
Actively contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
Job Requirements
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the coatings industry
Proven sales experience, with the ability to engage effectively with customers at all levels
Strong customer focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
University degree or equivalent technical qualification
NACE CIP Level 1 or FROSIO certification
Experience or knowledge of steel coatings, blast cleaning, and application processes
Experience working with contracting companies and technical personnel
10 years’ sales experience
Strong computer literacy and CRM experience
Understanding of broader commercial and business drivers in a sales role
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Company: AkzoNobel
About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we’ve been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people’s lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including 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.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com
© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Area Sales Manager to support sales growth and market penetration within the coatings industry across the Christchurch region and wider South Island. This role works closely with Sales, Key Account Management, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Distribution Partners to identify opportunities, build strong customer relationships, and convert specifications into profitable sales.
You will play a key role in developing long-term partnerships with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors, owners, consultants, and architects while contributing to regional and company growth strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Market Development & Opportunity Management
Conduct continuous market and lead research to gain in-depth knowledge of the value chain within the assigned region
Identify and develop significant business opportunities with applicators, fabricators, engineering contractors (direct and indirect), owners, consultants, and architects
Lead relationship-building activities, identify customer challenges, gain specification positions, and convert opportunities into sales
Actively contribute to sales growth and profitability in line with company and regional strategies, including Focus Products, Services, and Partner Acceleration
Customer & Account Management
Build, maintain, and enhance customer satisfaction, engagement, and long-term relationships with direct and strategic accounts
Regularly call on assigned customers to maintain close market contact and opportunity visibility
Plan, monitor, execute, and report on sales and opportunity activities for designated customers and prospects
Deliver periodic business reviews and contribute to the development of sales and business growth plans
Promote a positive company image through active participation in customer meetings and industry events
Sales Execution & Collaboration
Cascade product and service information to customers and prospects, clearly communicating features and benefits
Educate customers on technical requirements, product ranges, and available support tools
Work closely with Supply Chain and internal teams on forecasting, planning, and stock management to ensure optimal customer experience
Support the implementation and delivery of regional service solutions and targets
Assist with overdues management in collaboration with RSM, Sales Support, and AR to meet NZ business KPIs
Ensure forecasting accuracy in line with NZ business KPI requirements
Reporting, Systems & Compliance
Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date customer and opportunity records in CRM systems
Provide ongoing feedback on customer needs and competitive activity to support further market penetration
Ensure sales tools, systems, and support resources are available to enable effective execution of plans
Comply with all corporate, site, HSES, and personal conduct policies and procedures
Actively contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
Job Requirements
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the coatings industry
Proven sales experience, with the ability to engage effectively with customers at all levels
Strong customer focus and the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
University degree or equivalent technical qualification
NACE CIP Level 1 or FROSIO certification
Experience or knowledge of steel coatings, blast cleaning, and application processes
Experience working with contracting companies and technical personnel
10 years’ sales experience
Strong computer literacy and CRM experience
Understanding of broader commercial and business drivers in a sales role
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ****** orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Area Sales Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in Christchurch offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
