At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitable growth by turning specifications into sales in the coatings industry.
- Company: Join AkzoNobel, a pioneering paints and coatings company with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, competitive salary, and the chance to shape your region's success.
- Other info: Work in a diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be the go-to expert in coatings and make a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in specification selling or business development in construction is preferred.
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.
The Regional Development Manager role (RDM) is a new, high impact position at the heart of our growth strategy with DDC. As RDM, you are the regional business builder: the person who turns strategic specification relationships into real, profitable paint on wall sales via the DDC route-to-market. You will deepen our presence with the most influential specifiers in Social Housing, Construction and New Housebuild.
Why this role matters
AkzoNobel is reshaping how we win, protect and grow specification business. The RDM is the crucial link between:
- Strategic specifiers and framework owners
- Local delivery via DDC branches and sales teams
- Our CU Specification team and regional sales & ops teams
You will translate national strategy into regional success - ensuring that AkzoNobel and approved third party products are specified, purchased and applied via DDC.
You will:
- Own the relationships that matter most
- Be the go to partner for social housing landlords, ALMOs, housing associations, local authorities, social housing groups
- Turn specifications into sales and margin
- Drive profitable growth by maximising conversion from spec to "paint on wall"
- Champion specification excellence
- Orchestrate end to end delivery via DDC
- Be the regional voice of the CU Specification team
- Shape the regional business plan
- Lead smart investment
The kind of impact you'll have
You will be known and recognised by senior decision makers in Housing, New Build and Construction in your region. You will directly influence market share, margin and long-term framework positions for AkzoNobel via DDC.
How you'll work
Operate with a high degree of autonomy within agreed specification, pricing and RTM frameworks. You'll have the freedom to run your region like a business with the backing of a global brand and strong functional support.
What you bring
Experience & knowledge:
- Proven track record in specification selling or business development within construction, housebuilding or building products.
- Strong understanding of coatings or building materials, construction supply chains and RTM models (DDC or similar).
- Experience managing key specifier relationships (architects, technical specifiers, procurement, design teams).
- Evidence of working cross functionally with Sales, Operations and Marketing to deliver end to end solutions.
Skills & competencies:
- Outstanding relationship-building and stakeholder management.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience working to sales, margin and share gain targets.
- High analytical capability, comfortable with market data, competitor insight and pipeline analysis.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Highly organised, self driven, and comfortable operating with autonomy within clear frameworks.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering or similar preferred, or equivalent industry experience.
- Full UK driving licence (for field-based work).
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self.
Regional Development Manager employer: AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel in Felling, Gateshead is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and employee development within the digital manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on collaboration and a commitment to enhancing skills through training opportunities, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that drive digital transformation. The supportive work culture fosters creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a significant impact in automation and cyber security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Development Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AkzoNobel, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Regional Development Manager at AkzoNobel.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AkzoNobel
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
