Protective Sales Manager

Are you a high-reaching professional with a passion for leading commercial activities and driving growth in diverse markets? Do you have the expertise to excel in a dynamic environment and the aim to achieve strategic goals within the Hempel Group? As a Protective Sales Manager, you'll join a dedicated team of professionals committed to expanding our market presence across Northern Europe and delivering exceptional customer value. This is your opportunity to take on a leadership role and shape the future of our company. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and grow with us 

Hempel, a global leader in coatings and paints, is seeking a Protective Sales Manager to lead our commercial activities in the Nordics. Reporting directly to the Head of Infrastructure for Northern Europe Infrastructure, you will be responsible for driving business growth across Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, leading a total revenue of approximately €16 million. In this pivotal role, you will develop and implement sales strategies that align with Hempel’s critical initiatives, focusing on both current customers and new customer acquisition within the Infrastructure segment. You will lead and grow sales through both direct and indirect channels, ensuring maximum market penetration. Additionally, you will develop a team of sales professionals across four countries, being responsible for field sales activities and ensuring the achievement of both short and long-term financial targets. This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive and implement our Double Impact strategy and will have a dotted line reporting function to the Energy business segment for relevant activities within the region. 

Here’s some of the other things you can look forward to 

As a Protective Sales Manager, you will establish and own the overall sales strategy for the Nordics, aligning closely with the Head of Infrastructure for Northern Europe. Your role will involve guiding the local field sales teams in developing and refining sales strategies to achieve business objectives. Based in Hempel Headquarter in Lyngby, Denmark, you'll report to Head of Infrastructure for Northern Europe Infrastructure and focus on: 

• General Activities: Develop and complete the overall sales strategy for the Nordics in alignment with the Head of Infrastructure, while leading and refining sales strategies with local teams. Ensure compliance with company policies, drive commercial excellence, and lead the Nordic sales team’s performance and development. 

• Leadership & Direction: Complete sales strategies aligned with global E&I goals and champion cross-functional collaboration to meet team objectives, while developing and coaching the team to reach their full potential. 

• Client & Customer Management: Improve customer engagement and dedication through pivotal initiatives and guide the team in value selling and balanced solutions. 

• Operational Management: Drive customer satisfaction, resolve complaints through cross-functional efforts, and supervise important metrics to track progress towards sales targets. 

• Key Success Criteria/KPIs: Achieve sales and profitability targets, efficiently implement pivotal initiatives, and maintain high employee engagement. 

• Work Relations and Key Stakeholders: Collaborate with external clients, distributors, and internal teams including Commercial, Marketing, Business Development, and Finance. 

What do you need to be successful in this role?  

As a Protective Sales Manager, you will regularly review and supervise sales performance, making vital adjustments to drive commercial excellence and ensure the successful execution of E&I initiatives, such as Revenue Management, Surcharge programs, and e-commerce roll-out. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or related Master's program is preferred. 

• Background: 5+ years in sales, marketing, or technical support, with knowledge of coating considered as a significant advantage. 

• Knowledge: Fluent in English in addition to a Nordic language. Willingness to travel and hold a clean driving license. 

• Experience: 3+ years of people management experience. At least 5 years in Customer Services, Technical Sales, or Marketing roles with dynamic responsibility. 

• Technical Competencies: ERP systems (Microsoft preferred), MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI), CRM software. 

• Behavioural Proficiencies: Leadership, collaboration, visibility, planning, customer focus, problem analysis, financial competence, integrity. 

Sounds like a match?  

Welcome to apply! Click the ‘Apply for position’ button in the top-right corner and submit your application letter with a CV in English via our recruitment system.  Final deadline for applications is 2 October 2024. For further information about the job, please contact Abbie Zhou - [email protected]

More about Hempel 

At Hempel, you’re welcomed into a global community of 7,500 colleagues around the world. A workplace built on shared trust, mutual respect and support for each other.  

We’re on a mission to double our impact. To succeed, we need bright minds and team players. Which is why, from day one, your input, ideas and initiative are not only welcomed but expected. In return, you will enjoy great opportunities for development in a growing global company – and be part of the solution by contributing to our global impact.  

At Hempel, we are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe, valued and treated equally, in an environment where each employee can bring their authentic selves to work. We believe that inclusion is key to innovation, and by bringing together the most diverse perspectives and talents, we can achieve great things, together.  

We are proud to be majority owned by the Hempel Foundation, dedicated to philanthropic activities, with our earnings contributing to many charitable initiatives every year. It means that when you work at Hempel, your hard work and dedication contribute to a greater cause, making your career matter twice.  

Learn more about Hempel and our commitments on hempel.com/career.