Technical Sales Representative - Surface & Metal Finishing Chemicals

Thomas Talent Network, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Talent Network, LLC client seeks an experienced Technical Sales Representative specializing in Surface & Metal Finishing chemicals to grow business across the Western United States. This hands-on outside-sales role rewards relationship-building with manufacturers, plating shops, and OEMs, focusing on solving process challenges and closing deals.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in industrial or specialty chemicals sales, established customer relationships, and a track record of meeting

Qualifications

• 3–5 years outside sales experience in industrial or specialty chemicals.
• Proven experience in surface/metal finishing industry.
• Established customer relationships with decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop new business opportunities; build pipeline and meet revenue targets.
• Manage and grow existing accounts; conduct regular customer visits and provide excellent service.
• Recommend chemical solutions and coordinate product trials and evaluations.
• Travel regularly across the Western U.S. and maintain CRM records and forecasts.
• Collaborate with leadership and operations to ensure product availability and satisfaction.

Skills

Outside sales

Metal finishing chemicals

Customer relationships

Communication & negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

Our client is a privately owned global chemical distributor specializing in supplying industrial, specialty, and performance chemicals to manufacturers across North America and international markets. With decades of experience serving industrial customers, the company partners with manufacturers, distributors, and end users by providing technical expertise, responsive service, and customized supply solutions. As the business continues to expand its Surface & Metal Finishing division, they are seeking experienced sales professionals who already understand the industry and have strong customer relationships.

We are seeking an experienced Technical Sales Representative - Surface & Metal Finishing Chemicals to grow and manage business throughout the Western United States. This is a hands-on outside sales role for a motivated salesperson who understands the metal finishing industry and enjoys building long‑term customer relationships. This is not a management position; we're looking for a "soldier," not a "general." The ideal candidate enjoys being in front of customers, solving problems, and closing business rather than managing a team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop new business opportunities; build a strong pipeline through prospecting, referrals, and industry relationships; develop strategic territory growth plans; convert competitive accounts to our products and services; meet individual sales and revenue targets
• Manage and grow existing customer accounts; conduct regular customer visits; build trusted relationships with key decision-makers; deliver exceptional customer service
• Recommend chemical solutions; assist with product selection and application recommendations; coordinate product trials and evaluations; support troubleshooting and process improvement; stay current on industry trends
• Manage travel schedules across the region; maintain CRM records and sales forecasts; prepare quotations and negotiate pricing; monitor competitor activity and market trends; travel regularly throughout the assigned territory
• Work with plating shops, anodizers, metal finishers, aerospace, automotive, electronics, and industrial OEMs; provide solutions for surface treatment and finishing applications
• Work with leadership, purchasing, customer service, technical support, logistics, and manufacturing partners to ensure exceptional service and product availability

Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years outside sales experience in industrial or specialty chemicals
• Proven experience in surface/metal finishing industry
• Established customer relationships
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel
• Must have legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Strong Plus:

• Experience selling surface finishing chemicals and/or metal finishing chemicals
• Existing customer book within the industry
• Experience calling on manufacturing facilities
• Technical aptitude

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience with aerospace, automotive, electronics, or industrial manufacturers
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment
• Experience with plating processes
• Experience working for a chemical distributor

Compensation:

$100,000-$125,000 USD base salary + commission.