European Distribution Leader – Microbial Protection

Ashland Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 102,762 - 159,853; Full time

Job summary

Ashland, a global specialty chemicals company, seeks a Distribution Manager Microbial Protection Europe to lead growth with distribution partners across Europe. You will develop strategies, manage partner relationships, and drive market penetration in cosmetics preservatives and multifunctional ingredients.

The role requires a chemistry/biology/engineering/business background with 5+ years in distribution or indirect sales, and travel 30–40% within Europe.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of commercial experience in distribution management or related roles.
• Proven track record managing distributors or channel partners.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills.
• Willingness to travel 30–40% across Europe.
• Fluent in English; additional European languages a plus.

Responsibilities

• Generate sustainable growth for the Microbial Protection business with distribution partners across Europe.
• Develop distribution strategies, business plans, and growth initiatives for territories and partners.
• Manage and develop strategic relationships to maximize sales, profitability, and market penetration.
• Monitor distributor performance with KPIs, reviews, forecasting, and action plans.
• Onboard, develop, and evaluate distribution partners per regional strategy.
• Provide market insights and support to partners across marketing, technical, regulatory, supply chain, and sales.

Skills

Distributor management

Negotiation

Relationship management

Forecasting

Travel readiness

English fluent

Education

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, business or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Commercial reporting tools

Job description

Ashland, a global specialty chemicals company, seeks a Distribution Manager Microbial Protection Europe to lead growth with distribution partners across Europe. You will develop strategies, manage partner relationships, and drive market penetration in cosmetics preservatives and multifunctional ingredients.

The role requires a chemistry/biology/engineering/business background with 5+ years in distribution or indirect sales, and travel 30–40% within Europe.