At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AkzoNobel's largest customer account and drive profitable growth.
- Company: Join a pioneering paints company with a rich heritage and global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market-leading benefits, and a chance to influence strategy.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive workplace that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact on business performance and lead high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in account leadership and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Kingfisher Customer Business Lead
Location
Slough, GB
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.
Customer Business Lead – Kingfisher
Location
- Slough - 1 to 2 days per week in Slough
- Competitive salary plus market leading benefits package
We’re looking for an experienced and strategic Customer Business Lead to take ownership of Akzo Nobel’s largest Decorative Paint customer – Kingfisher.
In this role, you’ll lead the commercial strategy, drive profitable growth, and build senior level partnerships across the UK and Europe.
At Akzo Nobel, we’re proud of our market leading brands and strong customer relationships.
As a key member of the Sales Leadership Team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our retail strategy, leading high performing teams, and delivering significant business impact.
What you’ll do
- Lead and develop Akzo Nobel’s largest customer account, with direct ownership of a major P&L and influence across a broader European portfolio.
- Define and deliver the strategic direction for the Kingfisher account to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
- Build and maintain strong senior level relationships across the customer organisation in the UK and internationally.
- Lead and develop the account team, ensuring best in class account management and performance delivery.
- Negotiate complex commercial agreements including trading terms, pricing, promotions, and category initiatives.
- Drive cross functional collaboration with internal teams including Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain.
- Deliver continuous improvement across business processes to unlock efficiencies and cost savings.
- Use data and insight to identify growth opportunities and improve business performance.
- Act as a key member of the Sales Leadership Team, contributing to wider commercial strategy and business objectives.
What you bring
- Proven track record of delivering sustained growth with major retail or national account customers.
- Extensive experience in account leadership and P&L ownership at a significant scale.
- Strong commercial acumen with a deep understanding of how to maximise profitable growth.
- Experience leading cross functional and international teams.
- Exceptional communication, influencing, and negotiation skills at a senior level.
- Ability to manage complex customer relationships and operate effectively in dynamic market conditions.
- Degree level education or equivalent experience.
Who you are
- A strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset.
- A confident leader who inspires and develops high performing teams.
- A skilled relationship builder capable of influencing at all levels.
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a complex, fast paced environment.
- Results driven with a clear focus on delivering profitable growth.
- Collaborative, with a strong ability to work across functions and geographies.
Why Akzo Nobel?
At Akzo Nobel, you’ll be part of a global organisation with a proud heritage and a forward thinking approach.
This role offers a unique opportunity to lead one of our most important customer partnerships, influence strategy at a senior level, and make a measurable impact on our business performance.
Ready to take on a high impact leadership role?
Apply now and help us drive continued success with one of our most strategic customers.
At Akzo Nobel 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.
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Kingfisher Customer Business Lead in Slough 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 Kingfisher Customer Business Lead in Slough
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Kingfisher Customer Business Lead at AkzoNobel, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including AkzoNobel. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Kingfisher Customer Business Lead. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Kingfisher Customer Business Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for AkzoNobel:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for AkzoNobel. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at AkzoNobel
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show AkzoNobel that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show AkzoNobel that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with AkzoNobel’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
