Job description:

Supervisory Responsibility:

Direct Reports include:

• Product Manager/Specialist
• Sales Manager

Indirect Reports include:

• Sales Team (through Sales Manager)
• Technical Service Manager
• Technology Manager
• Production Manager

Summary / Objective:

The Business Director is responsible for all elements associated with managing a business segment, including revenue growth, profitability, market expansion, product strategy, and team leadership. This role requires P&L accountability, execution of strategic initiatives, and coordination across multiple functions, including sales, marketing, production, technical services, customer service, and Companys Global Organization. The Business Director serves as the primary link between the Company and the Companys Global Organization, ensuring alignment between regional and global business strategies. This role is critical in driving competitive positioning, digital transformation, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve business goals.

Competencies:

• Critical competencies include Business Acumen, Customer Focus, Networking, Personnel Development, and strong Communication Skills.

Physical Demands:

• The Business Director role will require ~50% travel, both domestically and internationally (specifically to Japan and to Decatur, AL).

Essential Functions:

Prompt, regular, and dependable attendance is an essential function of this job.

P&L Management & Financial Growth:

• Own full P&L accountability for the business segment.
• Develop and implement strategies to maximize revenue and variable margin.
• Optimize cost structures, production efficiencies, and sales pricing models.

Market Expansion & Competitive Strategy:

• Lead market expansion efforts, identifying new opportunities in regional and international markets.
• Build and execute competitive intelligence frameworks to track industry positioning.
• Develop and drive pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness and profitability.
• Sales & Customer Leadership.
• Guide the sales team in developing and executing sales strategies, pricing plans, and market penetration tactics.
• Build and maintain relationships with key strategic customers and industry partners.
• Lead cross-functional teams to increase customer retention and satisfaction.
• Product Strategy & Innovation Alignment.
• Oversee product lifecycle management, ensuring alignment with market needs and technology trends.
• Approve new product development initiatives, balancing customer demand, innovation, and profitability.
• Work closely with R&D and production to accelerate time-to-market for new products.
• Digital Transformation & Sales Enablement.
• Implement AI-powered forecasting tools, CRM optimizations, and digital sales enablement strategies.
• Drive e-commerce and digital market expansion to optimize customer access.
• Leverage data analytics to enhance pricing decisions and demand forecasting.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration.
• Function as the primary connection between Company and the Companys Global Organization.
• Work with production, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure operational efficiency.
• Engage with Technical Service, Application Development, and R&D to prioritize key technology programs.
• People Development & Talent Strategy.
• Mentor and develop high-potential talent, ensuring leadership succession planning.
• Provide clear career development plans for Sales Managers and Product Managers.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Competitive Intelligence & Global Coordination.
• Regularly analyze and report on market trends, competitor strategies, and industry trends.
• Align Companys North American strategy with global business objectives.
• Represent Company at industry conferences, trade shows, and customer meetings.

Travel Requirements:

Approximately 50% travel (domestic & international, specifically to Japan and within the domestic US).

Business Director II:

In addition to the core responsibilities, the Business Director II role expands to include:

• Full P&L ownership, including CAPEX investment decisions.
• Advanced digital transformation, implementing AI-powered pricing models and ecommerce strategies.
• Executive-level customer engagement, strategic partnerships with key accounts and C-level decision-makers.
• Executive level engagement within Company and Companys Global Organization.
• Competitive intelligence and disruption strategy, leveraging real-time market data to enhance positioning and market share.
• This expanded role ensures a higher level of strategic leadership, financial accountability, and innovation-driven market expansion for the Business Director II position.
• Additional assignments as deemed necessary by management.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Polymer Science, Business, or Marketing (MBA preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience, preferably in chemicals, materials, or specialty manufacturing.
• Experience in business leadership roles such as Business Manager, Sales Director, or Product Management.
• Strong knowledge of commercial functions, including sales, marketing, strategic planning, production, and quality.
• Experience with P&L management, pricing strategy, and market expansion.
• Global experience and ability to work across Japanese American cultural lines preferred.
• Must be in current position minimum of 6 months.

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

• My client company is the global leader in their multi-billion dollar segment of the chemical industry
• This position can be fully remote, hybrid, or located at the company's US corporate headquarters
• Travel will be about 50% to Japan and within the domestic US
• Outstanding benefits and promotional opportunities within the US and Japan