Global Product and Sub-Segment Manager

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. 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.

For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com 

© 2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.

Global Product & Sub-Segment Manager – Yacht Custom Build
Felling, Gateshead or Amsterdam, NL
Competitive salary + benefits

Please note – we welcome applications from people with relevant experience and transferable skills, even if you don’t meet every requirement. If this role sparks your interest, we’d love to hear from you.

At AkzoNobel, we’ve been pioneering colour, protection and performance for more than 200 years. Our teams develop innovative coating technologies and solutions that help customers around the world achieve better performance, sustainability and efficiency.

We’re committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that reflect the customers and communities we serve.

About the Role
Luxury yachts are among the most technically advanced and visually striking vessels in the world. Every custom-built yacht is a unique project, designed and crafted to reflect an owner's vision, requiring exceptional levels of quality, performance and finish.
As Global Product & Sub-Segment Manager -  Yacht Custom Build, you’ll help shape the future of this prestigious sub-segment. From some of the world's most iconic superyachts to pioneering new-build projects, you'll define the strategy that ensures AkzoNobel remains the trusted partner of choice for yacht builders, designers and owners worldwide. 

This is an exciting global role that combines strategic marketing, portfolio management and innovation leadership. You'll be responsible for driving the growth and success of our Yacht Custom Build sub-segment, identifying emerging trends, developing compelling value propositions and bringing innovative coating solutions to market.

Working closely with regional marketing, sales, R&D, operations and supply chain teams, you’ll lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver winning strategies, successful product launches and sustainable business growth.

If you're passionate about strategy, innovation and creating value in a global environment, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact in a market where performance, craftsmanship and sustainability matter.

Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
• Define and execute the “where to play” and “how to win” strategies for the Yacht Custom Build segment
• Manage the global product and service portfolio in line with market needs and business strategy
• Lead new product introductions (NPI), range optimisation and lifecycle management activities
• Develop differentiated value propositions, business cases and strategic marketing initiatives
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends, threats and growth opportunities
• Lead product and service development projects through the Stage-Gate process
• Collaborate with regional teams to ensure effective implementation of strategies and initiatives
• Benchmark competitor offerings and support technology leadership through industry engagement
• Provide strategic input into brand positioning and communication planning
• Partner closely with sales, R&D, operations, procurement and finance teams to deliver business objectives
• Drive delivery of revenue, profitability and portfolio performance targets
• Influence and coordinate cross-functional project teams to successfully execute strategic plans
• Promote a diverse, inclusive and collaborative team culture that encourages innovation and engagement
• Ensure compliance with HSE, corporate and ethical standards across all activities

What We’re Looking For
You don’t have to tick every box — we value curiosity, collaboration and a willingness to learn.
Ideal candidates will bring:
• A degree in Marketing or another related discipline
• Proven experience in strategic marketing and product management roles
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively within a matrix organisation and across global teams
• Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability
• A proactive, collaborative and solution-focused approach
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex global projects
• Strong communication and presentation skills in English

What Makes This Role a Great Opportunity
•    Help shape the strategy and future direction of our Yacht Custom Build portfolio
•    Contribute to the development and success of coating solutions used on custom-built yachts around the world
•    Support the delivery of new products, services and technologies that create value for customers and the business
•    Collaborate with global commercial, technical and operational teams
•    Work closely with yacht builders, designers and industry stakeholders to understand market needs and opportunities
•    Take ownership of a global portfolio and play an important role in driving growth and performance 
•    Gain exposure to international markets, customers and industry stakeholders
• Build your career within a global organisation focused on innovation, collaboration and continuous development  

Why AkzoNobel?
We offer:
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• Pension, life assurance and income protection
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Flexible benefits tailored to your lifestyle
• A culture centred on inclusion, development and work–life balance
• Access to global learning and career progression opportunities

At AkzoNobel, we believe diverse teams make stronger decisions, drive innovation and create better outcomes. If you’re passionate about strategic marketing, product innovation and building customer value in a global environment, we encourage you to apply — even if you’re not sure you meet every requirement.

#LI-LB1

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. 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.

Requisition ID: 54160