Commercial Director

JOB SUMMARY:

The Commercial Director is a key leadership role, responsible for driving the overall strategy and execution of Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Product Development. This role drives business growth and profitability, through strategic planning and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has strong commercial and technical experience, capable of leading both market expansion and product innovation.

This role requires close collaboration with the other members of the leadership team to align the day -to-day commercial activities with the long-term goals of the business. The position has full P&L responsibility and requires both hands-on management and strategic oversight to be successful. The role currently oversees a team of six direct reports and is responsible for optimizing their development and performance.

KEY FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement short and long-term strategic plans for Sales, Marketing, and Product Development, aligning these with overall business objectives.
• Revenue and Profitability Management: Own P&L for the commercial team, ensuring sustainable and profitable growth across all channels. Track financial performance and adjust strategies to meet or exceed targets.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of 6 direct reports, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Set clear performance expectations, drive engagement, and support professional development.
• Customer and Market Focus: Build and nurture relationships with key customers, drive engagement and satisfaction. Stay ahead of market trends and competitive dynamics to identify new opportunities for growth.
• Sales & Marketing Execution: Guide the sales and marketing teams in developing and executing go-to- market strategies that increase market share and drive revenue. Collaborate with technical teams to align product development efforts with market demand.
• Innovation & Product Development: Oversee the product development process, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends. Support technical teams in bringing new products to market.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other senior leaders across departments to ensure the integration of commercial initiatives with company-wide objectives.
• Travel: Regular travel to meet with customers, attend industry events, and represent the company at key conferences and meetings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; a technical discipline (e.g., Chemical Engineering, Chemistry) is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in specialty chemical sales with a proven track record of driving profitable growth in highly competitive markets.
• Demonstrated experience managing commercial teams, leading business development efforts, and growing professional reports.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire, negotiate, and make compelling presentations to customers and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel as needed to engage with clients, partners, and teams.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Prior experience selling in the cleaning, detergent or surfactant market. HI&I (Household, Industrial & Institutional) market preferred.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent advanced degree preferred, with a focus on business strategy, leadership, or marketing.
• Strong technical acumen to complement commercial skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises.