At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK Specification strategy and drive sustainable growth in the commercial market.
- Company: Join AkzoNobel, a pioneering paints company with a rich history since 1792.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of specification while leading a dynamic and engaged team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
National Specification Lead — UK (Flexible within UK) — Full Time
Date: May 26, 2026
Location: Slough, GB
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.
What you’ll do
- Own and deliver the UK Specification & Sectors 3-year strategy, ensuring delivery of turnover and margin targets across commercial market channel (Specifiers and Contractors).
- Lead the development and execution of sector strategies and plans, ensuring alignment to wider UK commercial priorities and long-term growth plans.
- Drive a high-performing specification pipeline, ensuring robust opportunity management, conversion discipline and pipeline visibility.
- Lead, motivate and develop a team of direct and indirect reports, building capability, engagement and high-performance culture.
- Act as a key member of the UK Sales Leadership Team, contributing to overall commercial strategy and decision making.
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Category, Insight, Innovation, Sustainability, R&D and Technical teams to ensure best-in-class propositions.
- Take responsibility for driving specification and technical excellence across the sales community and wider business strengthening collaboration between commercial, technical and brand teams to meet changing regulations / building standards and support innovation and product development.
- Develop and manage strategic relationships with customers and industry bodies to develop sustainable growth for both parties.
- Work closely with trade merchant partners to drive specification-led growth and utilise our propositions, experience and knowledge to maximise ecosystem opportunities.
- Champion digital evolution within specification, continuously improving tools, processes and ways of working to meet changing customer needs.
- Drive the sustainability agenda across all key specification partnerships, embedding it into sector strategies and customer engagement.
What you bring
- A proven track record of developing and implementing channel strategies to drive sustainable growth for the business and its customers.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating high performing teams including development of talent and succession planning.
- Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across customers and internal functions with a collaborative and growth mindset.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing targets, pipeline performance and P&L drivers.
- A great understanding of specification route to market (ideally within construction industry) and experience in a commercial market, specification or sector-led sales environment.
- Ability to translate market insight and trends into actionable strategies and role model these with team and business.
- Strong track record of developing and delivering strategic customer and sector plans.
- Highly self-motivated with a proactive and resilient approach.
- Degree educated (or equivalent experience).
- Full UK driving licence.
Who you are
- A strategic and commercially astute leader who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments.
- Confident operating at senior level and influencing across internal and external stakeholders.
- A natural relationship builder who develops long-term, trusted partnerships.
- Highly analytical and insight-driven, with a strong focus on performance and growth.
- A collaborative leader who inspires, develops and elevates others.
- Passionate about driving innovation, improving customer outcomes and delivering sustainable growth.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior leader to shape the future of Specification & Commercial Market route to market in the UK, driving meaningful growth while leading a highly capable and engaged team within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
If you are looking for a role where you can truly influence strategy, build market-leading capability and deliver long-term commercial impact, we would love to hear from you.
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.
National Specification Lead in Slough employer: AkzoNobel
At AkzoNobel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to our mission of enhancing everyday life through our world-class products. Located in Slough, our flexible working arrangements and focus on inclusivity make us an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding career in the paints and coatings industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Specification Lead in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially around sustainability, as this will help you align your answers with what they care about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific results you've delivered in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven growth and success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace National Specification Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the National Specification Lead role. Highlight your experience in developing channel strategies and managing high-performing teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sustainable growth and manage complex stakeholder relationships. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for innovation and sustainability, as these align with our values at AkzoNobel.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all candidates effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AkzoNobel
✨Know Your Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the UK Specification & Sectors 3-year strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to achieving turnover and margin targets.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led and motivated high-performing teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where you developed talent and built a strong team culture, as this role requires someone who can inspire and elevate others.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your knowledge of managing targets, pipeline performance, and P&L drivers. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully implemented channel strategies that drove sustainable growth in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships with Confidence
Since this role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships, think of examples where you've successfully built long-term partnerships. Show that you're a natural relationship builder who can collaborate effectively across various functions.
