Account Manager - Coatings

Socket.dev; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Michelman is seeking an Account Manager for the Coatings business unit to drive revenue and margin growth in the Americas region. You will build a robust pipeline with marketing and technology teams, manage key accounts, and represent the company at industry events.

The role requires 5+ years in specialty chemical sales, a science degree, and strong negotiation and strategy execution skills, with up to 50% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field preferred.
• 5+ years of specialty chemical sales experience.
• Deep understanding of formulated coating performance and surface modification tech.
• Experience in web-based converting.
• Familiarity with Miller-Heiman sales process.
• Experience with Value Pricing strategy.
• Experience using Salesforce and forecasting software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships and travel to customers and trade shows.
• Qualify opportunities based on our value proposition and engage with decision makers.
• Develop strategies, measure effectiveness, and drive growth with the customer base.
• Plan with Sales Director on pricing, invoicing, forecasting, and discounts.
• Use CRM to manage the sales pipeline and complete next steps.
• Stay informed on market trends and pricing with Michelman.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science)

Tools

SalesForce

PowerBI

Microsoft Office

CRM software

Job description

General Summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join the sales team as an Account Manager for the Coatings business unit, reporting to the Regional Sales Director, Americas. In this role, you will be accountable for revenue and margin growth of your assigned territory and market segment, developing new business opportunities, and collaborating with marketing and technology teams to build a sales pipeline for future growth and product commercialization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships to ensure customer needs are met and to generate new business. Travel regularly to customers and industry trade shows


• Qualify opportunities within each account based on our value proposition and engagement with key decision makers. Understand the customer’s budget and the project’s priority within their organization, including resource allocation and timing.


• Develop strategies, measure effectiveness, and articulate course correction with the customer base to achieve targeted growth rates. Accountable for account growth, development of new business opportunities and maintaining high customer satisfaction


• Partner with the Sales Director to plan and develop strategic direction of sales efforts, inventory management, invoicing, forecasting, special pricing, and volume discounts


• Use CRM software to manage the sales pipeline and the full customer lifecycle, from prospecting and tracking interactions to follow-up’s and closing the deal. This includes regular maintenance of next steps, expected close date and associated volumes.


• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by reviewing professional publications, establishing personal network and participating in professional societies. Inform Michelman of market trends, competitive products, and pricing trends


• Perform related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates

Critical Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Consistently models High-Performing Behaviors, including accountability, proactivity, results-orientation, and effective collaboration


• Excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills, along with strong project management and organizational skills to manage and win new business opportunities over a 12–24 month sales cycle


• Ability to negotiate effectively and influence stakeholders to achieve win-win outcomes


• Takes initiative to learn, grow, and unlock potential — both personally and in others


• Anticipates challenges, adapts quickly, and drives continuous improvement


• Ability to develop and implement sales plans that align with business goals


• Understanding of market trends, customer needs, and product offerings to position solutions effectively


• Ability to build, maintain, and grow relationships with clients to drive satisfaction and loyalty

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a science field such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science preferred


• 5+ years of specialty chemical sales experience


• Deep understanding of formulated coating performance requirements, surface modification technology, as well as application techniques.


• Experience in web-based converting


• Strong knowledge of the market and industry contacts


• Familiarity with a formalized sales process, such as Miller-Heiman


• Experience with a Value Pricing approach to secure the best prices for our products


• Experience using a variety of systems to manage the territory, including SalesForce, sales forecasting software, Concur, UKG, PowerBI, the Microsoft suite of products, among others

Other

• Able to travel up to 50% of the time by car or plane to visit regional base of customers


• Able to perform job duties at remote locations such as industrial sites, chemical facilities, customer centers, and other locations

Work Hours

Michelman’s standard work hours for this role are Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm EST. This role could require you to work outside those hours from time to time.

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

About Michelman

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry, offering solutions for the coatings, printing & packaging, and fibers & composites markets. The company’s surface modifiers, additives, and polymers are used by leading manufacturers around the world to enhance performance attributes and add value in applications including wood and floor care products, metal and industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, and composites. Michelman is also well-known as an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings, as well as digital printing press primers that are used in the production of consumer and industrial packaging and paper products, labels, and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its customers with production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia, product development and technical service centers in several major global markets, and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel.

Michelman does not hire individuals who use tobacco products. All candidates will receive a drug test prior to beginning employment which will include a test for tobacco products.

It is Michelman, Inc. policy to seek and employ qualified persons in all jobs in a manner which will ensure equal employment opportunity as well as administer personnel actions in a manner as to not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Michelman is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans