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