Key Account Manager

2350 Axalta Coating Systems; Tennessee; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Axalta Coating Systems is seeking a Key Account Manager for Axalta Retail who will drive revenue growth and strengthen category leadership across national and regional retail partners. This role serves as the primary contact, coordinating with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing and Product to align commercial strategy with execution.

You will lead joint business plans, optimize assortments, plan promotions, and ensure superior in-store execution through data-driven decisions and strong relationship

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or 5+ years of relevant experience required.
• Experience managing or selling into retail accounts.
• Strong understanding of retail fundamentals, including merchandising, promotions, and inventory management.
• Solid business and financial acumen.
• Travel Requirement: Approximately 25–35%.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships both externally with retail partners and internally across Axalta’s cross-functional teams.
• Lead alignment meetings with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Product, and Finance to prioritize risks and opportunities.
• Drive growth through disciplined retail execution, assortment planning, line reviews, and promotional programs.
• Own account performance with data-driven decisions, forecasting, and inventory management to improve in-stock levels and profitability.
• Develop and execute joint business plans that align with customer and company objectives.

Skills

Relationship management

Retail sales

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

The Key Account Manager (KAM) for Axalta Retail is responsible for managing and growing strategic relationships with national and regional retail partners.

This role serves as the primary point of contact between Axalta and the customer, driving alignment across commercial strategy, supply chain, marketing, and product initiatives.

The KAM is accountable for delivering revenue growth, strengthening category position, and ensuring operational excellence across the retail business.

Success in this role requires strong cross-functional leadership, disciplined execution, and the ability to build long-term, value-driven partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management & Alignment

Build and maintain strong relationships both externally with retail partners and internally across Axalta’s cross-functional teams. Establish multi-level relationships across customer organizations (commercial, operational, and leadership) Partner closely with internal teams, including Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Product, and Finance Serve as the central point of coordination for all account-related activity Lead regular alignment meetings to ensure clear communication of priorities, risks, and opportunities

Retail Growth & Category Development

Drive growth through disciplined retail execution and category-focused strategies. Lead assortment planning, line reviews, and assortment optimization to expand category presence Identify and execute incremental opportunities, including new item placement and distribution gains Drive off-shelf opportunities (end caps, displays, seasonal programs, tests, etc.) Ensure strong execution of planogram resets and merchandising standards Develop and execute promotional plans aligned with retailer strategies and financial targets Support both new business growth and retention of existing business

Joint Business Execution

Operate as a strategic partner to the customer, aligning plans and delivering results collaboratively. Develop and execute joint business plans that align with customer and company objectives Coordinate cross-functional execution of product launches, promotions, and key initiatives Ensure readiness across supply chain, inventory, and pricing to support retail execution Contribute to the customer’s broader category strategy and long-term growth plans

Performance & Business Management

Own account performance through data-driven decision making and continuous improvement. Monitor sales, inventory, service levels, and promotional performance Identify risks and opportunities and translate them into actionable plans Drive improvements in in-stock performance, operational efficiency, and profitability Ensure alignment to financial targets and effective use of trade investment Conduct sales analysis and provide input into demand forecasting to support inventory planning, promotional execution, and overall business performance

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or 5+ years of relevant experience required
• Experience managing or selling into retail accounts strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of retail fundamentals, including merchandising, promotions, and inventory management
• Solid business and financial acumen
• Core Capabilities Effective leader and communicator
• Results-driven with strong ownership mindset
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Strong organizational and execution skills
• Ability to influence and negotiate across multiple stakeholders
• Professional, adaptable, and self-motivated
• Travel Requirement: Approximately 25–35%

Axalta Coating Systems depends not only on the skills, abilities, and commitments of all employees, but also on their integrity and collective common sense.

Axalta Coating Systems expects all employees to practice ethical integrity in the workplace.

This is an active opening for which we are recruiting to fill immediately.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year.

We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Axalta may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process. These tools may be used to help manage applications, identify job-related qualifications, and assist recruiter review. All hiring decisions involve human oversight and review.

4 - Sales Workers (EEO-1 Job Categories-United States of America)

Axalta is a global coatings company focused on providing customers with innovative, colorful and sustainable solutions. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, Axalta continues to find ways to serve more than 100,000 customers with the finest coatings, application systems and technology.