[Hiring] Account Manager - Value for Money - Automotive Refinish @BASF SE

Role Description

We are looking for a Value for Money (VFM) Account Manager to join our Automotive Refinish team.

The Value for Money (VFM) Account Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth of BASF Refinish value-for-money product lines through distributor engagement and establishing distributor relationships, indirect sales execution, and close collaboration with the field refinish sales team. This role focuses on:

• Expanding distribution from within our existing distributor base.
• Seeking new competitive distributors to distribute BASF VFM products.
• Accelerating conversions from competitive brands.
• Continuously refining the VFM go-to-market strategy to ensure long-term success.

This position plays a critical role in strengthening BASF’s position in the value segment by aligning strategy, execution, and customer needs across current and new distribution partners.

As an Account Manager - Value for Money - Automotive Refinish, you create chemistry by:

• Driving sales growth of BASF Refinish value-for-money products through existing and new distribution partners.
• Supporting and influencing distributor sales teams to actively carry, promote, and sell VFM product lines.
• Partnering closely with the BASF Refinish field sales organization to identify and execute new conversion opportunities.
• Acting as a subject-matter expert on VFM offerings, positioning, and competitive differentiation.
• Identifying and developing new distribution opportunities that align with BASF’s value-for-money strategy.
• Strengthening relationships with key distributor stakeholders, including owners, managers, and inside/outside sales teams.
• Supporting distributor onboarding, product launches, and sales enablement activities.
• Assessing and defining the current BASF Refinish Value for Money strategy, including channel approach, product mix, and target segments.
• Recommending and implementing enhancements to the VFM strategy based on market dynamics, customer feedback, and sales performance.
• Monitoring competitive activity, pricing trends, and customer needs in the value segment to inform ongoing strategy adjustments.
• Collaborating with marketing, product management, and leadership to ensure strategy alignment and execution excellence.
• Serving as a key connector between distribution, inside sales, and field sales teams.
• Providing insights, recommendations, and performance updates to Distribution Management and Refinish leadership.
• Supporting training initiatives for distributors and internal sales teams related to VFM products and selling approaches.
• Traveling approximately 50% of the time to support distributor meetings, sales calls, training sessions, and key customer engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in sales, inside sales, or commercial roles within automotive refinish, coatings, or a related industry.
• Proven experience working with distribution partners and indirect sales channels.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate strategy into actionable sales execution.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%.
• Experience within automotive refinish, paint, coatings, or aftermarket automotive channels (preferred).
• Prior exposure to value, economy, or price-segmented product portfolios (preferred).
• Experience supporting product conversions or competitive takeaways (preferred).

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible.
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options.
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members.
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more).
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages.
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive.
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens.
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!