📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Specialist
🔹 Company: Axalta
🔹 Location: Florida, United States (Remote)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Sales
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Home Office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Maintaining strong customer satisfaction and long-term retention of Axalta’s customers within a market
- Acting as the primary point of contact for identified customers and building strong, collaborative relationships
- Developing and executing account plans capturing the product, color, and services needs of the customer
- Working with a high sense of urgency and demonstrating ownership, commitment, and accountability to regional and Axalta goals
- Providing support on standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and ensuring customers are aware of education and support available through Axalta Training Classes and Local Performance Groups
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of customer focus, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Acts as the primary point of contact for identified customers and builds strong, collaborative relationships
✅ Understands key elements of the business agreement with each customer
✅ Develops and executes account plans capturing the product, color, and services needs of the customer
✅ Understands and accurately communicates the values and benefits of Axalta product, color, and services
✅ Understands and engages the appropriate resources to meet the unique needs of each customer
✅ Maintains an organized communication approach with a regular customer call schedule and clearly documents customer interactions in SalesForce (SFDC)
✅ Follows-up on issues in a timely manner and identifies and advises on process improvements to alleviate roadblocks facing the customer
✅ Effectively prioritizes tasks and contributes to regional team’s expected results for revenue, profitability, customer retention, and distributor management with a high sense of urgency
✅ Leads paint conversion efforts and solicits distribution resources to support the customer
✅ Maintains accurate account information and contact data in SalesForce (SFDC)
✅ Utilizes appropriate technological resources (SharePoint, Salesforce, MSOffice, etc.) to further individual productivity and enhance communication with co-workers and customers
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the automotive refinish industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Experience: 3-5 years of Automotive Refinish industry experience
Required Skills:
- Strong knowledge of the collision repair, commercial transportation, and industrial business environment as well as distribution fundamentals
- Working knowledge of Axalta’s core product lines and repair shop business fundamentals
- Ability to identify customer needs and responds quickly to effectively resolve problems using a collaborative approach
- Self-disciplined and able to perform effectively in unstructured and autonomous conditions
- Presents oneself in professional manner throughout all levels of the organization and considers how actions will affect customers
- Strong team player and actively seeks opportunities to support territory activities and meet customer needs
- Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills
- Competent computer skills, proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with SalesForce (SFDC)
- Fluency in Spanish
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in the automotive refinish industry and proven sales experience are likely to be the best fit for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a mid-level sales role in the automotive refinish industry)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on Axalta products
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST), with flexibility for customer needs
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level sales role in the automotive refinish industry. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Axalta operates in the chemical manufacturing industry, specializing in performance coatings for various applications, including automotive refinish, industrial, light vehicle, and commercial vehicle coatings.
Company Size: Axalta is a large company with over 10,000 employees globally. This size allows for diverse career opportunities and a robust support network for employees.
Founded: Axalta was founded in 2013, but its roots trace back to 1866, providing a strong heritage and stability in the industry.
Company Description:
- Axalta provides performance coatings for a wide range of industrial applications, including light vehicle and commercial vehicle coatings for original equipment manufacturers, and refinish surface preparation and coating systems for body shops globally.
- The company serves more than 100,000 customers in over 140 countries, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Axalta has a 150-year legacy in the coatings industry and employs over 12,000 people, including 1,300 scientists, technical experts, and engineers.
Company Specialties:
- Industrial Coatings
- Powder Coatings
- Automobile Coatings
- OEM Coatings
- Refinish Coatings
- Transportation Coatings
- Architectural Coatings
- Marine Coatings
- Mobility Coatings
- Aviation Coatings
- Electrification
- Energy
- Sustainability
Company Website: http://www.axalta.com
ASSUMPTION: Axalta's large size and global presence provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level position within the sales department, requiring a balance of technical knowledge, sales skills, and customer management expertise.
Reporting Structure: The Account Specialist reports directly to the Regional Sales Manager and works closely with the Regional Sales Team, as well as other departments such as Marketing, Technical Support, and Customer Service.
Work Arrangement: This is a remote, home-office based role near Miami, FL, with travel requirements up to 50% of the time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to Senior Account Specialist or other senior sales roles
- Transition to a different product line or market segment within Axalta
- Opportunities to work on special projects or task forces to gain exposure to other aspects of the business
ASSUMPTION: Successful performance in this role may lead to opportunities for career advancement within Axalta's sales organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote, home-office based
Office Location(s): Near Miami, FL
Geographic Context:
- The territory includes Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Fort Meyers.
- Florida has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
- The state is known for its beaches, tourism, and diverse culture.
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST), with flexibility for customer needs
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement requires strong self-discipline, time management skills, and the ability to work independently.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the regional sales team
- Final interview with the regional sales director
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Industry knowledge and experience
- Sales skills and customer management
- Problem-solving and communication skills
- Adaptability and cultural fit
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant industry experience and sales achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and Axalta's business
- Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships and resolved issues in previous roles
ATS Keywords: Account Management, Sales, Customer Support, Automotive Refinish, Communication, Problem Solving, Team Player, Account Planning, SalesForce, MS Office, Customer Retention, Distribution Fundamentals
ASSUMPTION: Axalta's application process is designed to assess candidates' industry knowledge, sales skills, and cultural fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SalesForce (SFDC)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- SharePoint
- Axalta's proprietary systems and tools
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in SalesForce and Microsoft Office Suite is required for this role. Familiarity with Axalta's proprietary systems and tools will be helpful but can be learned on the job.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer Focus
- Integrity
- Performance
- Innovation
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Results-driven
- Customer-centric
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in a customer-facing role within the automotive refinish industry?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your time effectively?
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding sales targets?
ASSUMPTION: Axalta values employees who are customer-focused, results-driven, and collaborative, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The remote work arrangement may require strong self-discipline and time management skills
- The role involves frequent travel, which may present challenges for those with family or personal commitments
- The automotive refinish industry can be competitive and challenging, requiring resilience and adaptability
- The role may require working with customers who have diverse needs and expectations, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to overcome these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other account management roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the automotive refinish industry and Axalta's product offerings
- Unlike other sales roles, this position focuses on customer retention and long-term relationship building rather than new business development
- This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within Axalta's sales organization
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique within Axalta's sales organization and requires a specific set of skills and industry knowledge.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing an account plan for a key customer, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention
- Identifying and addressing process improvements to alleviate roadblocks facing a customer, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Leading a paint conversion effort for a customer, resulting in increased sales and market share for Axalta
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the key responsibilities and required skills for the Account Specialist role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the overall sales strategy for the region and the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within Axalta's sales organization?
- How does Axalta support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in remote roles?
- What are the key challenges facing the automotive refinish industry, and how does Axalta differentiate itself from competitors?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and Axalta's business, as well as your commitment to success in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant industry experience and sales achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and Axalta's business
- Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships and resolved issues in previous roles
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
