Regional Sales Manager, North Europe

About AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel supplies 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. As a pioneering and long-established paints company, we are dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today, while creating an even better tomorrow.

Let’s paint the picture of the role

As Regional Sales Manager, you will be responsible for driving growth, profitability, and sales excellence across our Northern European yacht coatings markets. Reporting to the Global Commercial Director, you’ll lead a talented sales and technical team, strengthen relationships with key accounts and distributors, and shape regional strategies as part of the global management team. This is a highly visible leadership role where your ability to combine business acumen, customer insight, and team leadership will have a direct impact on AkzoNobel’s success in the yacht coatings market.

What You’ll Do

• Lead & Grow the Business: Deliver sales results for volumes, value, and margin across Northern Europe.
• Shape Strategy: Contribute to global strategy while defining regional growth plans and execution.
• Customer Leadership: Develop and maintain strong relationships with yacht industry stakeholders, distributors, and key accounts.
• Market Insight: Analyse trends, capture opportunities, and influence product positioning.
• Team Leadership: Build, coach, and empower a high-performing sales & technical team.
• Cross-Functional Impact: Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, and technical teams to deliver exceptional service and customer satisfaction.
• Travel: Regularly visit customers and stakeholders across the UK, DACH, Nordics, and the Netherlands.

What do you bring?

We’re seeking a dynamic and driven leader who thrives in complex, international markets. You’ll bring:

• A degree in Business, Technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in technical sales, distributor management, and OEM/retail channels.
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen with proven success in driving growth.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate market insights and data into business opportunities.
• Experience in the coatings, yacht, or marine industry is highly beneficial.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the region.

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