Key Account Manager

Key Account Manager – Adhesives (Hot Melt & Pressure Sensitive Adhesives)

We're looking for an experienced Key Account Manager with deep industry contacts in the adhesives market and strong expertise in hot melt and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) technologies.

This role is responsible for driving profitable sales growth by identifying, developing, and executing strategic opportunities that support both the short- and long-term objectives of the Adhesive Solutions business across the Americas. Working closely with customers and cross-functional teams, the Key Account Manager will build a robust opportunity pipeline, develop strategic account plans, and deliver sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business development by identifying unmet customer needs, prioritizing opportunities, coordinating internal resources, and commercializing solutions.
• Develop and execute strategic account plans that outline customer strategies, key stakeholders, value chain positioning, historical performance, and growth opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective customers to drive business retention and expansion.
• Document customer interactions, opportunities, and sales activities within the CRM system.
• Deliver against agreed business targets, including sales volume, margin, profitability, and working capital objectives.
• Leverage forecasting tools to provide accurate sales projections and business insights.
• Monitor progress against plans, proactively communicate risks, and implement contingency actions when needed.
• Collaborate with Technical, Marketing, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to accelerate growth and enhance customer satisfaction.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 5–10 years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in sales, business development, or key account management.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and growing strategic customer relationships.
• Experience with in the specialty chemicals, adhesives, coatings, or related industries.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong business acumen with strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and converting growth opportunities.
• Experience working in a global or multicultural business environment.
• Strong project leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Disciplined use of CRM systems and sales forecasting tools.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of working independently in a dynamic market environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong market knowledge of the adhesives industry, particularly hot melt adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) applications.
• Established relationships with key customers, distributors, OEMs, or formulators within the construction and adhesives markets.
• Technical and commercial expertise in adhesives technologies, raw materials, and related applications.
• Cross-functional experience in Technology, Marketing, Product Management, Procurement, or Supply Chain.
• Deep understanding of customer needs, market trends, competitive dynamics, and value chain drivers.
• Broad product portfolio knowledge and strong problem-solving capabilities.

Global Benefits Overview

• Competitive, market-aligned compensation
• Discretionary global bonus scheme
• Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
• Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
• Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
• Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
• Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes