Director, Protective Coating

Job Summary

Founded in 1962 as an affiliate of Nippon Paint Japan, Nippon Paint Singapore opened its first paint manufacturing facility in 1965. After a shift in majority ownership and corporate restructuring in 2020, Nippon Paint Singapore is now a fully-fledged member of Nippon Paint Holdings, the fourth largest paint manufacturer in the world, headquartered in Osaka, Japan.​

 In Singapore, we are in a unique position to offer a wide range of ‘global’ benefits and opportunities. The reach of our global resources is matched by the depth of our local knowledge and experience.​

 In addition to our core business of paints and coatings, we manage and market the respected Australian brand Selleys, a market leader in sealants, adhesives and fillers. Over the last decade and a half, we have aggressively expanded into multiple new business channels, moving beyond paint and into building materials, cleaning products and more. In every channel, we have rapidly earned credibility and won the confidence of our customers. ​

 As we look to building up our global protective coating business unit, we are looking for a strong market leader to join us to bring this business to greater heights. He/she will work with existing Head/Protective Coatings to assume full P&L ownership across China, SEA, India, Japan, Korea and MEA.

Key Responsibilities

(i) Business Unit Setup and Profit & Loss

• Set up the dedicated Global Protective Coatings BU with unified P&L.
• Own revenue, margin and cost structure.

(ii) Go-to-Market Execution

• Drive aggressive entry into Infrastructure in China, Japan & SEA via cost and speed led wins.
• Scale the Power business in key regions — renewables, transmission, new build and M&R.
• Enter the Downstream and Upstream of Oil & Gas (O&G) market.
• Establish Key Account Managers in the respective regions on the entry of targeted businesses.
• Deploy the Applicator – EPC – Owner customer conquest model across Asia.

(iii) Team & Organisation Building

• Build country sales teams with specifications influence and technical approvals in each priority market.
• Deploy Key Account teams to win anchor projects in Infrastructure, Power, and O&G.
• Expand approved applicator, sales, and technical field service network across India, Korea, MEA.
• Create the NIPSEA Approved Applicator Network — standardised certification program.

(iv) Specification & Technical Credibility

• Build specifications influence via early EPC and consultant engagement.
• Embed NIPSEA systems in project specifications through proven performance pilots whilst managing risk & liability linked to Protective Coatings.
• Deepen O&G downstream penetration into higher-value refinery and petrochemical assets.
• Scale offshore upstream qualifications in China, Korea, Japan, and SEA via marine yard partnerships.

(v) Product Sustainability & ESG

• Ensure products comply with evolving environmental regulations and customer sustainability requirements as well as local requirements.
• Work with sustainability champion on sustainability plan on carbon footprint reduction roadmap in line with corporate sustainability objectives.
• Work with Sustainability champion on environmental, social, and ethical sourcing initiatives across regions in collaboration with key stakeholders.

Key Requirements

• Degree or Masters in Business/Accounting/Economics or Chemicals Engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience in commercial enablement, sales operations, strategic commercial, or market-driven roles.
• Senior commercial leadership in chemicals or directly adjacent industrial coatings / corrosion protection.
• Full P&L ownership in a multi-country business — revenue, margin, and cost structure.
• Demonstrated ability in building a Business Unit and fronting the execution of market entry strategies.
• Experienced in building contractor networks, applicator programs, or EPC specification frameworks.
• Commercial execution experience across regions and Asia — China, Japan, SEA, India, or Korea.
• Deep understanding of Global and Asia market, especially direct competitive set.
• Strong commercial negotiation, contractor management, stakeholder engagement, and risk management skills.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with fluency in English and comfortable with different region business environments.
• Results-driven with strong business acumen. Demonstrates learning agility, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
• Able to navigate complexity and drive outcomes in a matrix environment.
• Willingness to travel.