Global Category Manager Color VR/CV

Let's paint the picture of the role:

Are you ready to lead the future of color innovation in the Vehicle Refinish (VR) sector? AkzoNobel is seeking a dynamic Global Category Manager Color VR/CV to shape our industry-leading global toner systems and deliver excellence in color matching for our customers.

Join a global organization known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge solutions. Based in Sassenheim or Amsterdam, you will lead a high-performing team and collaborate with cross-functional experts to drive the strategic direction of our color portfolio.

What you will do:

As the Global Category Manager Color VR/CV, you will:

• Strategic Planning: Define and lead the global strategic direction for our VR color portfolio, ensuring it stays ahead of customer and market demands while balancing immediate priorities with long-term goals.
• Stakeholder Management: Partner with key global and regional stakeholders, including R&D, technical support, and commercial teams, to align portfolio strategies and deliver exceptional results.
• Drive Innovation: Oversee the development and refinement of basecoat and topcoat toner systems, ensuring competitive positioning and seamless integration with color-matching hardware and software.
• Analytical Decision-Making: Use market intelligence, customer insights, and data-driven analysis to guide portfolio strategy, identify growth opportunities, and maintain our competitive edge.
• Lead a High-Performing Team: Manage and mentor a team of three color-focused experts, fostering self-leadership, collaboration, and excellence in execution.
• Storytelling: Use compelling storytelling to communicate the value of the VR color portfolio to internal teams, stakeholders, and customers, ensuring alignment and buy-in for strategic initiatives.
• Resolve Complex Challenges: Lead efforts to address global issues affecting the color portfolio, ensuring product quality, supply resilience, and compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
• Boost Profitability: Identify cost-saving opportunities and simplify supply chains while enhancing the overall value proposition of the VR color portfolio.

About You:

We’re looking for a visionary leader with a passion for color technology and a proven ability to drive global product strategies in a competitive market.

Your Skills & Expertise:

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• 10+ years of product management experience, preferably in coatings, automotive, or chemicals industries, with significant experience in color product management in the VR sector.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Proven experience leading and developing a global team, providing clear goals, mentorship, and fostering self-leadership.
• Ability to influence across regions and functions, creating strong stakeholder partnerships that drive alignment and collaboration.

Strategic & Analytical Capabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute long-term strategies while addressing short-term challenges.
• Strong analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making and the ability to use insights to drive portfolio growth.

Storytelling & Communication:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives that inspire teams, secure stakeholder buy-in, and showcase portfolio value.

Technical Expertise (Preferred):

• A solid understanding of color technology, formulations, and the technical demands of toner systems in the Vehicle Refinish sector.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and become part of AkzoNobel’s journey to redefine excellence in color technology.

Become part of an outstanding company:

AkzoNobel is consistently rated as one of the top employers in The Netherlands. You will join a company that is committed to achieving real sustainability. At a personal level you will also benefit from:

• A competitive salary;
• Bonus scheme
• 30 vacation days
• Participation in the AkzoNobel pension plan;
• Travel allowance
• Opportunities for education that will help you to grow beyond this role
• Flexible working environment

More information and how to apply:

We welcome your online application via https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers. Only online applications will be considered. If you have any questions, please contact Merith de Bock, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner or send an email to TalentResourcing.NL@akzonobel.com.

An online assessment may be part of the hiring process

An employment screening may be part of the selection process.

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