Regional Color Support Expert

Job Purpose

• On an expert level, address and resolve customer color complaints within the NAM sales cluster, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
• Provide comprehensive color domain support to the NAM Marketing Organization.
• Support the helpdesk and technical staff in color-related tools and concepts, enabling them to proficiently assist customers from the region with inquiries and concerns. 
• Facilitate new color introduction, roll out of new color tools and concepts specific to the region, also develop and/or deliver required regional training materials.
• Collect, analyze, and disseminate local market insights related to colors and tools to global and regional marketing teams within the BU. 
• Contribute to global and regional color projects and process enhancement activities. 

This position is located in Troy, MI

Key Responsibilities

• Independently resolve color issues reported from NAM region to achieve customer satisfaction, embodying AkzoNobel Coatings' reputation and values.
• Troubleshoot and resolve color tools-related issues reported by NAM customers promptly. If necessary, escalate complex or critical complaints to higher-level support or development teams.
• Deliver localized training for color tools tailored to the needs of regional color representatives, technical representatives, and local distribution networks.
• Regularly monitor and update color information in NAM region. This includes staying up to date with color trends, industry standards, and any changes in color formulations.
• Supply color information to local sales and marketing teams, contributing to informed decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for impactful communication on color-related subjects, coordinating with the local sales support team for implementation.
• Propose solutions to enhance color accuracy at the customer level, driving continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead investigations and reporting of market-related color issues, contributing to proactive problem-solving.
• Monitor and compare competitor activities, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
• Support global color marketing efforts within the Business Unit and collaborate with the NAM Marketing team to implement the color strategy.
• Participate in global/regional color projects aimed at enhancing or replacing existing programs, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation in color management processes.
• Assist with color-related initiatives for ASC segments and product lines at the local and regional levels.
• Foster strong relationships with local and regional sales, marketing, technical teams, helpdesk, customers, dealers, importers, suppliers, and global color marketing.
• Generate monthly reports detailing ongoing local/regional color support activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Comply with HSE and Quality standards in accordance with company guidelines.
• Pursue continuous improvement of departmental knowledge and efficiency, staying updated on industry trends and best practices.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor or equivalent, working and thinking level/experience.
• Color domain knowledge with a minimum experience of 5 years.
• Exceptional customer service skills to adeptly address and resolve customer complaints, ensuring their satisfaction.
• In-depth knowledge of color formulations and trends in the North American region, including proficiency in color retrieval applications like MIXIT for troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication and training abilities to create localized training materials and conduct impactful sessions for stakeholders.
• Proven proficiency in digital color tools and the capability to provide customer training on their usage.
• Demonstrated affinity for color technology, IT, data management, and marketing.
• Proven experience in problem-solving with customers, offering effective solutions.
• Proficient in both spoken and written English, as well as the local language.
• Possess a proactive, hands-on mentality with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
• Exhibit a service-oriented, flexible attitude, collaborating seamlessly in both matrix and independent work environments.
• Experience with project work and a strong analytical mindset to drive effective problem resolution.
• Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams and independently when required, contributing effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel across the region.
• Full adherence to safety, health, and environmental guidelines, following site and company standards.
• Proven capabilities in MS Office applications

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary range for this role is: $72,000 to $80,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

401K retirement savings with 6% company match
Medical insurance with HSA
Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
Progression (pay-for-skill) pay plans 
Short & Long term disability
Paid Parental leave after 1 year
Career growth opportunities
Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
Employee referral bonus
Employee appreciation days

Competencies