Distribution Manager

AkzoNobel

Distribution Manager responsible for growing AkzoNobel's Automotive business across the Nordics. Manage distributor relationships and drive profitable growth in the automotive market.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeÅrsta • 🇸🇪 SwedenMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Play a key role in driving the growth and development of our Automotive business across the Nordic region.
Manage and develop relationships with distributors, importers, and key channel partners to strengthen market presence and drive profitable growth.
Ensure successful execution of our commercial strategy.
Act as the main point of contact for our distribution network, ensuring alignment on business objectives, sales activities, and market development initiatives.
Develop and execute sales strategies/plans in the marketplace and deliver expected top- and bottom-line results for the segment in the allocated region.
Provide feedback to understand how customers are utilizing our products and how well those products align versus competitive products.
Primarily focus on key accounts e.g architects and specifiers.
Travel regularly within the Nordic region to visit distributors, customers, and key stakeholders (Travel 3-4 days a week and 1-2 days in the home office).

Requirements

What you’ll need

Proven understanding and experience of the automotive aftermarket value chain, including distributors, importers, and body shop networks.
Experience working within multi-layered distribution structures and managing commercial relationships across indirect sales channels.
Strong background in value-based selling, with demonstrated experience in driving growth through distributors and workshop networks.
Strong understanding of customer profitability, cost-to-serve, and key commercial drivers within automotive service and repair environments.
Demonstrated experience in building and managing long-term relationships with distributors, workshop chains, and other key stakeholders.
Solid product and market knowledge within automotive refinish or related technical product segments is considered a strong advantage.
Fluent in a Scandinavian language and English, both spoken and written.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Collective agreement with competitive terms and conditions
Wellness allowance to support your health and well-being
Employee discount in all Nordsjö stores
Subsidized lunch benefit through Edenred
Working time reduction (ATK), providing additional paid time off

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

value-based sellingcustomer profitabilitycost-to-serveautomotive aftermarket value chaincommercial strategy executionsales strategy developmentmarket developmentproduct knowledgeautomotive refinish knowledge

Soft Skills

relationship managementcommunicationstrategic thinkingcustomer engagementnegotiation