THE OPPORTUNITY:
Lead a privately owned international distributor of chemical raw materials and specialties into its first domestic U.S. commercial operation. The company is headquartered in Europe and building its first standalone American business. Following existing business relations with multinational customers so far managed by managers in Europe, this is a build from scratch mandate: launch the company's U.S. presence as its lead salesperson and strategist, then grow the function into a small commercial team as revenue develops. Work within an established operating framework (pricing, credit, product access, and supply chain support) set by an experienced European parent company, so your focus is building the U.S. market and the U.S. team, not the underlying business model. Competitive base salary with a performance bonus tied to controllable first year KPIs, with genuine upside for overperformance, plus benefits including 401(k) matching.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Launch and lead the company's U.S. commercial presence for chemical intermediates and specialties, used for production of adhesives, construction chemicals, coatings, composites, lubricants, polyurethanes, and synthetic resins, starting as the primary direct business developer and growing into the leader of a small sales team. In collaboration with company management, develop commercial strategy for an initially defined U.S. territory, including target segments, pricing approach, logistics and go to market sequencing. Inform and provide advice to customers about volatile availability of petrochemicals and cost drivers as feedstock and sea freight in global sourcing markets. Track customer demand, competitor activity and pricing and supply conditions across the U.S. market, and represent the company at trade fairs, industry events, and with early key accounts. Execute and evolve the U.S. sales plan then transition existing business to experienced account management as volume grows, so you can focus on new market development and team leadership. Travel regularly, approximately 40 to 50 percent, across the U.S. market, with periodic international travel to align with the company's European leadership and product teams.
THE RIGHT CANDIDATEEducation & Technical Skills:
Bachelor's degree in business, chemistry, supply chain, or a comparable field preferred. At least five years of B2B field sales or market development experience in distribution of raw materials and intermediates for the production of adhesives, construction chemicals, coatings, composites, lubricants, polyurethanes, synthetic resins, or an adjacent sector. Customer and market knowledge is REQUIRED in at least two of mentioned industries. Proven successful leadership experience of a small sales team Demonstrated experience building a market, launching a product or business line, or opening a new territory from limited existing infrastructure, rather than simply inheriting and growing an established business. Strong command of CRM systems and comfort interpreting sales figures, forecasts, and statistics. Live near major airport; willing & able to travel 40-50%Personal Traits & Attributes A true builder. You want to shape a U.S. business from its earliest stage and eventually lead the team that grows out of it, not manage one that is already established. A hunter first. There will be qualified administrative and business support by one manager in the Chicago office, but before there is a team to lead, there is a territory to build yourself, and you want to do that work directly. Comfortable with ambiguity and limited initial certainty typical for new territories. No fully mapped customer base, warehouse network, or long-range forecast exists yet. Commercially curious and chemically literate without needing to be a chemist. You can translate technical needs into business conversations. A natural mentor and people leader, you enjoy direct selling but also thrive on developing and empowering your team to succeed to the max. Persistent, with real follow-up discipline, and comfortable reporting on your own results with a high degree of independence.
