Account Manager

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.

With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved 2 billion CHF in 2025 sales. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,100 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As an Account Manager – NZ Wood in New Zealand, with Christchurch or Bay of Plenty preferred, you will play a key role in growing Arxada’s Wood Protection business by managing valued customer relationships and identifying new opportunities across New Zealand’s wood-processing sector. You will combine commercial expertise with technical understanding to deliver solutions that create customer value, improve operational performance and build long-term partnerships. Working closely with customers and cross-functional colleagues, you will have the opportunity to make a visible contribution to profitable growth in the New Zealand market.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage assigned New Zealand wood-sector accounts, acting as the primary commercial contact and building trusted relationships with customer decision-makers, technical teams and site personnel.
• Deliver sales, margin and account-growth targets by developing and executing effective territory and customer account plans.
• Identify, qualify and convert new business opportunities with existing and prospective customers across the New Zealand market.
• Prepare customer proposals, quotations and commercial offers, collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver strong customer solutions.
• Provide or coordinate technical support for product introductions, changeovers, process optimisation and troubleshooting, applying technical, engineering or automation knowledge where appropriate.
• Maintain a disciplined sales pipeline and accurate forecasts while monitoring customer requirements, competitors and market trends to identify opportunities for profitable growth.
• Collaborate with Customer Service, Technical, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Quality and EHS colleagues to deliver reliable customer outcomes.
• Participate in customer trials, sales reviews, industry events and business-planning activities, with regular travel throughout New Zealand and occasional travel within Oceania.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Wood Science, Forestry, Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• Proven B2B account management, technical sales or business development experience within wood processing, sawmilling, forestry, manufacturing, chemicals or a related industrial environment.
• Strong commercial acumen, including account planning, new-business development, pipeline management, forecasting, pricing, negotiation and value-based selling.
• Technical aptitude and confidence discussing industrial processes, equipment and product applications; knowledge of sawmilling, wood processing, timber treatment, engineering, automation or industrial chemicals is highly advantageous.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, presentation and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach to working across commercial, technical and operational teams.
• Structured problem-solving skills, sound prioritisation and the ability to take ownership and drive opportunities through to successful outcomes.
• Fluent English, proficiency with Microsoft 365 and CRM or sales-reporting systems, a current full driver licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout New Zealand.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.