Strategy & M&A Manager

Careers at 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 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.

Join AkzoNobel as Strategy & M&A Manager

At AkzoNobel, we believe in turning ambition into action. As a global leader in paints and coatings, we combine over two centuries of innovation with a bold vision for the future. We’re now looking for a Strategy & M&A Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping our business direction and accelerating strategic growth through high-impact M&A activity.

If you're an experienced strategy consultant or dealmaker with a strong commercial sense, ready to influence the future of a global organization, this is your opportunity.

Let’s paint the picture of the role

As a Strategy & M&A Manager, you'll be a senior member of our high-performing Corporate Strategy & M&A team. You’ll work flexibly across (corporate) strategy, strategic initiatives and end-to-end M&A transactions — from sparring with executive leaders on business strategy, to leading cross-functional due diligence on transformative acquisitions, joint ventures, or divestments (EUR 50–500m EV).

You’ll operate with high autonomy and trust, and have a direct impact on both corporate and BU-level priorities across AkzoNobel globally.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the annual strategic planning cycle (across business units) and drive alignment with Executive Committee (ExCo)
• Act as a strategic thought partner to Business Unit and Marketing leaders
• Design and deliver executive-level presentations and ExCo materials
• Own and drive M&A transactions end-to-end – from target screening, valuation, due diligence, business case development, to deal execution and stakeholder alignment
• Manage internal stakeholders (Legal, Finance, BU teams) and external advisors (investment banks, legal/tax advisors)
• Participate in and lead clean teams where needed – ensuring confidentiality and insight generation
• Coach junior team members and contribute to building team capability

What You Bring

• Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field
• 5–8 years of experience in top-tier strategy consulting, investment banking, or corporate M&A
• Demonstrated track record in end-to-end M&A execution— provide deal sheet
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and structured problem-solving
• Experience working closely with executive-level stakeholders
• Deep understanding of M&A processes, valuation, due diligence, and legal, tax and governance considerations
• High integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus

Become part of an outstanding company

AkzoNobel is consistently rated as one of the top employers in The Netherlands. You will join a company that is committed to achieving real sustainability. At a personal level you will also benefit from:

• A competitive salary
• 30 vacation days
• Participation in the AkzoNobel pension plan
• Travel expenses to and from work
• Opportunities for education that will help you to grow beyond this role
• Flexible working environment

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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.