Commercial Director Hydrocolloids

Airbus; Monroe, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Education assistance program

Employee assistance program

Healthcare plan options

401(k)

Job summary

Brenntag North America, Inc. is seeking an experienced Business Development Lead to manage Colony Gums and VAS expansions across strategic accounts. You will drive growth, lead cross-functional teams, and build strong relationships with customers and suppliers while aligning with Brenntag Nutrition goals.

The role requires 5+ years in specialty chemicals, a university degree, and willingness to travel up to 60% locally in North Carolina, with travel planning and risk assessment responsibilities.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field.
• Over 5 years of experience in specialty chemicals or distribution.
• Deep product and end-market knowledge of the industry.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee business development projects and VAS expansions.
• Lead technical sales, R&D and lab teams to enhance VAS innovation and collaborate with operations and supply chain for efficiency.
• Develop and execute the VAS program growth plan with cross-functional teams.
• Build trusted relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Identify risks and communicate program updates to management.

Skills

Strategic business development

Lead cross-functional teams

Pricing & market analysis

Education

University degree

5+ years in specialty chemicals

Job description

Job Summary: Leads and manages commercial business development projects for Colony Gums and other VAS expansions as assigned. Drives the continuation and growth of Colony Gums in line with VAS program strategy and in collaboration with VAS and Brenntag Nutrition Commercial teams, ensuring alignment with overall Brenntag Nutrition growth goals. Develops strategic business plans for customers and markets, identifies risks, and takes proactive measures to drive the business forward. Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Plan, coordinate, and oversee business development projects and VAS expansions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
2. Lead technical sales, R&D and lab teams at Colony Gums to enhance VAS innovation and effectively collaborate with operations and supply chain teams to enhance efficiency and productivity.
3. Gain deep understanding of hydrocolloid functions, blends and end applications coordinating with key supply partners and end users to ensure we bring best solutions to customers through commercial teams.
4. Develop and execute the VAS program growth plan, collaborating with VAS and Commercial teams for individual projects.
5. Coordinate with Account Managers, Sales, Market Managers, and Technical Development teams to ensure the continuous development of pipeline and commercial growth.
6. Build trusted advisor relationships with customers, suppliers, internal supply chain, and other key stakeholders.
7. Identify and manage risks, providing insights on resource capacity, market growth, and feasibility.
8. Prepare and present program updates to management, ensuring effective communication across departments.
9. Develop collaborative relationships with BNA and support groups and identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities.
10. Create and manage business plans, market strategies, and performance analyses for product lines.
11. Communicate regularly with the Commercial team and other relevant departments to adjust strategies and tactics.
12. Ensure compliance with company policies and regulations, supporting the company's vision and mission.

Additional Required Skills/Abilities:

• Sound computer skills in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Strong strategic thinking, analyzing market information and identifying trends/focus areas.
• Superior interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.
• Excellent in building relationships with key suppliers and customers while effectively motivating and managing a team of direct reports.
• Pricing capability, incl. ability to see and reinforce the link between pricing and business strategy or quantitative skills and analytical rigor.
• Strong team player and collaborator with cross functional teams

Education and Experience

• University degree in relevant field.
• Previous work experience (>5 years) in specialty chemical (distribution) - e.g., distributor, manufacturer.
• Deep product and end market knowledge of respective Industry/ Application.

Travel:

This role requires candidates to be local to North Carolina and willing to travel approximately 50–60% of the time. Candidates who are not local to North Carolina will be required to be in North Carolina three weeks per month, with additional travel as needed, potentially reaching up to 80% travel

OUR OFFER

• Paid parental leave
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Various healthcare plan options as well as 401(k)

We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential. Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.

Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Brenntag North America, Inc. and its subsidiaries use E-verify, a government-run, web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. For more information, please go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees or view the poster at https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdf. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at [e-mail].

Brenntag TA Team

Brenntag is the leading global distributor of chemicals and ingredients, committed to connecting customers and suppliers within networks. We add value for our customers and partners every step of the way: through our product knowledge, innovation, and sustainable solutions, combined with our passion for service excellence and commitment to safety. Headquartered in Essen, Germany, and with more than 17,500 experts at about 600 locations in 72 countries, our two global divisions, Brenntag Essentials and Brenntag Specialties, offer a full range of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients. Therefore, our clients and partners can count on us for global reach combined with local agility and execution. As an employer, we embrace diversity and foster a sense of community and collaboration in an environment where employees are encouraged to share ideas and work together. We engage our employees in the company’s mission for collective success, by building long-term stability and safety through trust and clarity across the organization. We believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential and shape the future. For more information, please visit www.brenntag.com