Managing Director

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Pension

Tuition assistance

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading tobacco supplier is seeking a Managing Director for its AmeriNic subsidiary. This role involves managing business strategies, customer relationships, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the nicotine sector. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in business and product development, particularly in fine chemicals, along with strong leadership skills. The position offers competitive total rewards, including 401(k) matching and medical benefits, and requires authorization to work in the U.S.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in business and product development in fine chemicals.
• Proven leadership in managing cross-functional teams.
• Hands-on experience with GMP, ISO, or similar quality systems.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally; leadership of cross-functional teams.
• GMP/ISO quality systems and regulatory audits experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage nicotine business to achieve strategic goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with nicotine customers.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and documentation.
• Oversee operations, supply chain, and contract manufacturing.
• Coordinate R&D programs and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Business development

Product development

Contract negotiation

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Travel willingness

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering

MBA with chemistry or biology background

Job description

Position: Managing Director of AmeriNic

Our Company

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco‑regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue‑cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value‑added services such as customized blending, next‑generation nicotine solutions, recycled by‑products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long‑term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary

The position of Managing Director of AmeriNic Incorporated is responsible for leading and managing Universal Leaf Tobacco’s nicotine business subsidiary to achieve strategic goals in growth, profitability, product quality, and regulatory compliance. This role oversees customer relationships, product development, operations, regulatory adherence, and supplier management while ensuring seamless integration with Universal Corporation’s accounting and internal audit functions.

Business Leadership & Growth

• Manage and grow ULT’s AmeriNic nicotine business to meet revenue, margin, and profitability goals.
• Develop long‑term strategic plans to expand product offerings, customer markets, and competitive positioning.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with domestic and international nicotine customers and developers of Next Generation Nicotine consumer products.
• Serve as the primary commercial contact, ensuring reliable supply, exceptional service, and technical support for nicotine product offerings.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain continuous improvement programs focused on product quality and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and suppliers to ensure consistent product specifications and performance.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and maintain all required documentation and reporting.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement proactive adjustments.

Operations & Supply Chain

• Manage contract manufacturing, production scheduling, and operational performance.
• Develop and maintain strong raw material supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost control.

Research & Development

• Oversee R&D programs for nicotine product innovation and process improvements.
• Coordinate development efforts to meet evolving customer and market requirements.
• Support internal audit processes and Universal Corporation compliance standards.
• Assist with accounting tasks, including reporting and budgeting for the AmeriNic subsidiary.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or MBA with a chemistry, biology, or engineering undergraduate degree.
• 10+ years of experience in business development and product development relating to fine chemical or food ingredient manufacturing. Experience in the nicotine product segment is preferred.
• Experience negotiating contracts with customers and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams.
• Experience managing third‑party or contract manufacturing partners, including quality agreements and cost controls.
• 7-10 years of leadership responsibility for regulatory submissions, inspections, or audits (FDA and any other applicable regulatory body).
• Hands‑on experience with GMP, ISO, or comparable quality systems, including customer and regulatory audits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Market experience for ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems), including vapor, modern oral, and HNB next‑generation nicotine consumer products.

We offer a wide range of market‑competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long‑term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.