Account Manager - CHEM

Ravago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ravago in Chicago, IL seeks an Account Manager with proven experience in chemical sales and a track record of growing revenue. You will manage key accounts, develop strategic sales plans, and work with Purchasing, R&D, and suppliers to meet customer needs.

The role requires strong relationship skills, MS Office proficiency, and CRM experience, with travel up to 50% as needed. A chemistry/engineering or business background is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in CASE market (coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers).
• Bachelor degree in chemistry/chemical engineering/biology or business, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Grow profitable revenue through new business development and existing accounts.
• Meet gross margin targets via pricing and product mix.
• Develop and manage sales plans, budgets, and expenses.
• Interface with Purchasing and R&D; train and engage with customers and suppliers.
• Use CRM to track calls, pipelines, and competitive pricing requests.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements.

Skills

Account management

Sales experience

Customer relationship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Outlook

CRM

Word

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL (Remote)

Purpose

Primary responsibility is to grow segment chemical sales and within the assigned territory. Growth success is measured not only in total revenue and profit versus prior year and budget – but specific to product lines and products delineated as focus. Product growth should be achieved mainly through specialty and some commodity ingredients with defined contract partner suppliers.

Areas of Responsibility / Tasks

Performance must reflect appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below.

• Achieve profitable revenue growth, including robust new business development, at the same time maintaining existing sales.
• Achieve stated gross margin targets through the revenue growth above, combined with best practice pricing management and product line mix.
• Develop, execute and manage sales plans, sales budgets, and expense budgets.
• Prospecting & new business development centered on specialty products and high growth applications.
• Establish, track and close new business targets consistent with long‑term growth objectives, documented and updated in CRM weekly.
• Customer and supplier interface accountability include meetings and frequent interaction with both Purchasing and R&D, training, industry events and strategic entertainment.
• Work both directly and cooperatively with channel partners to close business based on customer's purchasing requirements.
• Create and maintain CRM data and sales statistics as required – including sales calls, pipelines, customer contacts, supplier joint projects, and competitive pricing requests.
• Maintain and share Outlook calendar for work activities that are used for sales statistics and joint collaboration with Sales Manager.
• Work with Technical Service, Customer Service, Sales Manager, Segment Manager and Supplier Partners to ensure customer requirements and satisfaction are met.
• Proven ability to interact effectively across functions and levels at customers, suppliers and internally within Ravago Chemicals North America.

Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)

To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.

1. Ideal candidate will have experience in formulation and/or sales across a broad range of applications.
2. Complex thinking skills in translating customer needs into solutions – and solutions into commercial sales.
3. Demonstrated past success with developmental/R&D sales for new customer projects, as well as success with market share shift (tactical selling) through customer Purchasing team to replace competitive business across various accounts and applications.
4. Technical aptitude and problem‑solving skills.
5. Broad knowledge of solutions, materials and processing across applications and market segments.
6. Minimal training and oversight required. Self‑motivated and able to work autonomously on a day to day basis.
7. Team player, both internally and externally.
8. Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
9. Able to travel 30% - 50% (depending on where candidate resides).
10. Good computer skills, proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook and CRM.
11. Professional presence, including: excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; professional entertainment with customers and suppliers; professional participation in industry associations and/or networking events.

Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications

1. Experience:
   1. Account management experience in the CASE market (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers).
2. Education:
   1. Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university: technical discipline related to Chemical Sales is preferred (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Microbiology, etc) or Business degree.
   2. Equivalent experience considered in lieu of degree
3. Systems Experience:
   1. Microsoft suite: PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel and Word
   2. CRM

Expected Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000, with consideration given to relevant experience and skills.