Account Manager - Value for Money - Automotive Refinish

BASF SE • Southfield, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions offers high-quality refinish paint brands and paint-related products to body shops from around the world. Our solutions are approved by the world’s leading automotive manufacturers for the repair of their vehicles. We provide collision centers with a vast array of solutions that help drive their business performance and efficiency. At the heart of our business are our people and our trainers who take care of our customers’ needs, including car painting skills, advanced body shop management solutions, and sophisticated management solutions.

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 and seeking new competitive distributors to distribute BASF VFM products, accelerating conversions from competitive brands, and 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.

Requirements

• 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%.

Nice To Haves

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.

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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees