Current Vacancies (2 found)

This position is home based and open to candidates from all European Countries

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Purpose of the Job

The Technical Key Account Manager (TKAM) supports the International Key Account team (IKAM) and the International Key Accounts (IKA) in various technical coordinating activities, to improve, broaden and professionalize the communication and relation with each IKA and to ensure the use of an optimized product selection.

The TKAM reports to the Global KA Technical Director.

 

Responsibilities and tasks

Portfolio

• Selection of product portfolio per IKA - in alignment with the Application Specialist - to optimize both performance and margin.
• Within that portfolio give product recommendation to regional organisations in tenders, tests, and new applications.
• Recommendations include product choice, formulation guideline (e.g. building block) and product use / application.
• Recommendations are given on reactive basis (request) but also proactively (e.g. innovation, application changes).
• Portfolio management by regular screening of the products in use (to ensure each site is using the right products), including tracking low margin products.
• Consolidate collected information and inform Application Specialists on product gaps, market developments, innovations and competition benchmark.

 

CTO (as required per IKA) – Cost Take Out

• Track and report CTO projects on regular basis, ensuring focus from the regional organisations especially in case of guaranteed CTO.
• Consolidate reports into a combined reporting for the IKA buyer

 

IKA Corporate contact

• Develop and maintain an active technical relation with IKA Corporate via a broad spectrum of customer functions: technical, R&D, innovation, sustainability, etc.
• Coordinate all technical enquiries from IKA Corporate e.g. request for new application, certain certification, regulatory enquiry, sustainability matters, major product development, etc.
• Inform IKA Corporate on product innovation / promotion, new ink series, new branding, developments in sustainability, legislative changes, etc.
• Reporting as required (e.g. regular technical report).
• On request participate in central (internal or external) review meetings.
• Organize innovation days, technical meetings or training sessions/webinars for IKA.

Relationship (internal)

• The TKAM will work closely with the International Key Account Managers, the Application Specialists, the Product Director and the regional organisations.
• The TKAM will work with the IKA Business Assistant (BA); the BA will support administration as required.

Profile Requirements

• 5+ years’ experience in packaging inks, printing and converting
• Excellent market expertise: converters, applications, packaging, presses, etc.
• Technical expertise in inks, printing processes, converting, application, troubleshooting
• Good understanding of ink production, ink formulation, ink specifications and properties
• In-depth understanding of the product strategy
• Excellent know-how on ink room management e.g. ink dispenser, ink handling, press return management, colour management (VIVO)
• Basic understanding of regulatory and compliance: MSDS, GMP, ink handling, major certifications
• Good understanding and use of general IT & administration tools like SAP and Office but also C4C, Qlik, TSR.
• Structured approach, analytical, accurate, project management skills
• Good communication skills – verbally and administrative - working with different nationalities and cultures inside and outside of the company
• Eagerness and ability to learn: market developments, innovation, brand-owner demands
• Mobility: prepared to travel and be visible to customers and the Flint organization
• Very proficient in English – other European languages are an asset

DUTIES: Drive the technical agenda supporting Flint’s corporate Key Accounts strategy to achieve agreed business growth objectives and plans; Lead, champion and support the organization and resources within each division’s technology programs associated to targeted Key Accounts, being accountable for the programs being effective and delivering on a timely manner; Partner with the marketing and product management organization, supporting our services, programs, and product portfolios; Assess and challenge the innovation pipeline, portfolio and commercial viability to ensure focus on targeted Key Accounts; Ensure Flint Group’s technology leadership in UV/EB curable, Solvent Borne as well as in Water based inks & Coatings by a defined value proposition and customer engagement; Foster and disseminate Flint’s sustainability program aligning with Key Accounts Sustainability Agendas; Collaborates with R&D, Technical Service and Business teams and assets located in North America and other Countries; Supports FG inks & coatings innovation, development and portfolio’s successful introduction and technical performance in Key Accounts critical projects and applications; Supports both the Growth agenda and Maintenance of existing businesses; Represent Packaging Inks in a technical capacity at senior customer meetings and related trade events as needed; Collaborate with Senior Leadership on defining strategies and long range planning for Key Accounts, aligned with business plans, providing technical leadership; Support and collaborate on key global technical strategies, providing critical technical perspective in alignment with Flint’s growth agenda; Collaborates and integrates Key Account’s needs with Marketing and Product Management to ensure alignment by all Customer team technical functions with ongoing market trends/profitability targets; Supports the sales/service organizations on product acceptance and market needs in order to ensure customer satisfaction, the development of effective technologies and Key Accounts innovation strategies; and Serve as a cross-functional agent, sharing/adapting best practices and developing standards – to support Flint’s vision of achieving global market leadership in Packaging Inks.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Doctorate degree in Chemistry, or related field of study and 10 years of experience in the job offered or related occupation. Experience must include: Experience with specialty chemicals, UV/EB, Solvent based and Water Based specialty resins; Experience with inks and coatings applications and manufacturing processes; Experience with material science innovation and development; Experience with materials properties relationships behavior on printing processes; Experience with the research & development and technical service on related fields; Experience with project management; and Experience managing initiatives in a global environment. International and Domestic travel required, as needed, up to 25%.

 

OTHER: Employer: Flint Group Packaging Inks North America Corporation Job Site: 19401 Rogers Drive, Rogers, MN 55374; 40 hours/week. If offered employment must have legal right to work in U.S.