Market Manager

Kuraray America, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 101,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in specialty chemicals is seeking a Market Manager to drive sales of EVAL products in Latin America. This role involves strategic market management, customer relationship management, and cross-functional leadership. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the LATAM market and proficiency in Spanish. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Three weeks of paid time off

Ten company holidays

Paid parental leave

Education reimbursement

Matching 401k plan

Qualifications

• 10 years minimum polymers or film converting experience in the LATAM market.
• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish required.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales of EVAL to Latin American customers.
• Lead comprehensive analysis of market trends and competitive landscape.
• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans.

Skills

Customer Focus

Business Insight

Cultivates Innovation

Action Oriented

Communicates Effectively

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in STEM or Business field

Job description

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Who We Are

Title: Market Manager

Location: Houston, TX

Who We Are

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Since 1972, Kuraray has been the world leader in high gas barrier technology, production and technical development of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH). Kuraray produces the world's widest available grade range of EVOH resin under the name EVAL.

Why Kuraray

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary

The Market Manager is responsible for managing sales of EVAL to Latin American customers through effective management of a local agents and working in conjunction EVAL customer service and PM teams. Work closely with Market Development and Technical Service and Development teams to drive the growth of EVAL products in the Latin American market. Work with senior management to assess competitive threats and develop a pricing strategy that is in-line with the global strategy. Assists in resolving late payments and credit.

Responsibilities

Strategic Market Management & Analysis

• Lead comprehensive analysis of market trends, competitive landscape, and evolving customer needs
• Obtain market intelligence and enhance the visibility and reputation of the organization, its products, and its services.
• Develop and implement strategic marketing plans that drive long-term market growth
• Establish and oversee sophisticated market performance metrics and analytics
• Identify strategic opportunities for product improvements, repositioning, or portfolio expansion
• Anticipate market shifts and recommend proactive adjustments to business strategy
  
  

Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and decision-makers
• Create and implement relationship management plans for complex customer accounts
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned market segments
• Collect and analyze customer feedback, conduct on-site visits throughout Latin America, and collaborate with regional agents to maintain strong market presence and communicate valuable insights to internal teams
  
  

Business Growth & Profitability

• Meet or exceed sales targets and growth objectives for assigned markets
• Manage pricing strategies to maintain competitive positioning while ensuring profitability
• Optimize product mix and marketing investments to maximize market share and returns
• Provide accurate forecasts and contribute to budget planning processes
  
  

Marketing Execution

• Execute marketing campaigns and promotional activities within assigned markets
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and positioning across all customer touchpoints
• Collaborate with marketing communications team on collateral and content development
• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings
  
  

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead cross-functional initiatives that drive market growth and customer satisfaction
• Partner strategically with product management to influence product roadmaps based on market insights
• Serve as a key advisor to technical teams on customer requirements and applications
• Mentor junior marketing staff and provide market expertise to internal stakeholders
• Represent market perspectives in strategic planning and executive decision-making
• Mentor colleagues in your area of expertise to elevate performance and professional development
• Conduct targeted sales calls with clear objectives, deliver customized presentations that address stakeholders' specific needs and securing agreement on requirements
• Build industry networks and represent the organization at key business events
  
  

Travel

• 30-40% travel to customer sites and industry events
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in STEM or Business field
• 10 years minimum polymers or film converting experience in the LATAM market
• Proficiency in written and spoken Spanish required
• Proficiency in Portuguese is a plus
• Experience with customer service, logistics, and international shipping to LATAM
• Outstanding verbal and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, creative thinking, consulting, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize work to manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving/decision-making skills.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to multi-task
• Candidates must have a valid driver's license
  
  

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
• Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
• Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
• Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
• Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
• Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
• Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
• Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
• Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
  

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Please apply online at: http://www.kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer disability/protected veteran status.

No third-party candidates accepted.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Sales and Business Development

• Industries

  Chemical Manufacturing

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