What are we looking for?
We are looking for a highly skilled and results-oriented Specialty Developments Manager – Paints & Construction to spearhead the expansion of our specialty chemicals portfolio, encompassing paints, coatings, construction chemicals, sealants, and related CASE applications. The preferred candidate will possess a blend of deep technical knowledge and outstanding business development skills, with a strong commitment to fostering strategic supplier and customer relationships to ensure long-term growth.
What qualifications and attributes are we seeking in the prospective candidate?
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to recognize market opportunities, cultivate high-value customer connections, oversee supplier collaborations, and translate technical solutions into lucrative business ventures. This professional will function as a reliable advisor to clients and key stakeholders, driving robust commercial outcomes while fostering operational excellence.
Overseeing the core operational duties represents a primary focus within this role. Key tasks include managing and allocating resources effectively to meet organizational goals, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive project completion. Additionally, the position involves monitoring performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential to address challenges and optimize workflows, while effective communication is required to liaise with stakeholders and maintain alignment across departments. Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies is also necessary to support data-driven decision-making and operational excellence.
We are seeking a skilled professional to oversee the cultivation of our portfolio and the strategic management of our supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will be responsible for identifying and nurturing new opportunities, evaluating and selecting suppliers, and ensuring seamless collaboration to drive value and efficiency across the organization. This role demands meticulous attention to detail, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to forge and maintain long-term partnerships that align with our business objectives.
Develop and expand a unique portfolio of specialty chemicals specifically tailored for paints, coatings, construction chemicals, and CASE applications.
Evaluate existing portfolio compositions to pinpoint deficiencies, then research, develop, and integrate new products, suppliers, and market prospects to enhance overall offerings.
Develop and nurture enduring partnerships with key principals and trusted suppliers.
Develop and execute strategic plans for the introduction of new products, oversee commercialization initiatives, and implement comprehensive technical training programs.
We excel in driving technical value and fostering customer growth through strategic initiatives. Our focus is on delivering compelling technical solutions while cultivating strong, long-lasting customer relationships to maximize business impact and satisfaction. Key responsibilities include identifying technical opportunities that align with customer needs, articulating the value proposition of complex solutions, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and exceptional customer outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in technical sales, deep product knowledge, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels to drive adoption and retention. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are essential to succeed in this role.
Collaborate with customer research and development, procurement, production, quality assurance, and management teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with organizational objectives.
Suggest technically robust solutions to address formulation and application-related challenges.
Oversee the execution of product trials, facilitate technical support initiatives, and lead application development projects.
Translate technical prospects into tangible customer and commercial benefits.
The position drives commercial performance and accelerates business growth through strategic initiatives and data-driven decision-making. It involves analyzing market trends, optimizing sales strategies, and fostering client relationships to enhance revenue and market share. Responsibilities include developing and executing business plans, monitoring KPIs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives. The role requires strong analytical skills, leadership in commercial strategy, and a track record of delivering measurable results in a competitive environment.
Deliver sales, gross margin, and business development targets.
Develop and execute pricing strategies, assess customer profitability, and optimize product mix to drive revenue growth and enhance market competitiveness.
Consistently cultivate a high-performing sales pipeline by adhering to rigorous CRM management practices.
Monitor customer projects to facilitate the transformation of opportunities into revenue growth.
Facilitates dynamic interaction and alignment across diverse teams to achieve unified objectives, ensuring seamless integration of varied perspectives and expertise for optimal project outcomes.
Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, finance, compliance, customer service, and technical departments.
Deliver accurate demand forecasting, optimize inventory planning, and enhance operational efficiency to drive strategic decision-making and business performance.
Drive the ongoing enhancement and integration of organizational standards and optimal methodologies throughout the company.
If you possess
Possesses extensive expertise in specialty raw materials specifically formulated for paints, coatings, and construction applications.
Proficiency in formulation principles and application performance requirements is essential.
Demonstrates a track record of successfully establishing and nurturing key strategic alliances while effectively engaging and persuading stakeholders to support shared objectives.
Demonstrates a keen business sense and a dedication to driving revenue growth and enhancing profitability.
Proven expertise in fostering clear and concise communication, adept negotiation strategies, and strong relationship management capabilities.
Must-Have
A bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field is required.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of seven to ten years of hands-on experience within specialty chemicals, paints and coatings, construction chemicals, CASE markets, or chemical distribution industries.
Expertise in cultivating business growth, nurturing supplier relationships, and overseeing high-value client portfolios.
With a proven track record in overseeing technical-commercial initiatives and specialty chemical portfolios, the ideal candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in project leadership and strategic portfolio management.
Accomplished consultative sales expertise and a solutions-focused approach to customer interaction are essential.
Requires strong expertise in customer relationship management platforms, predictive analytics, sales pipeline oversight, and comprehensive business reporting capabilities.
Nice-to-Have
A postgraduate degree in Sales, Business Development, Commercial Management, or a related discipline is required.
With a proven track record in collaborating with overseas suppliers, principals, and manufacturers, you will bring valuable expertise to the role. This experience includes building and maintaining strong relationships across different markets and ensuring seamless communication and coordination with global partners. Your background in managing international supplier networks will be essential in driving efficiency and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Exposure to multicultural and fast-growing business environments.
Possesses demonstrated expertise in the specialty chemical markets of West Africa.
If you are
Driven by measurable outcomes and committed to surpassing ambitious growth objectives.
Results-driven professional with a strong sense of initiative, demonstrating an inherent drive to take ownership and deliver effective solutions. Exhibits a proactive mindset, consistently seeking opportunities to enhance processes and drive positive outcomes through focused and determined action.
Demonstrates a strong customer focus while driving meaningful value creation through dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives.
Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing settings with a flexible and resilient approach.
A skilled communicator adept at fostering robust connections among technical and commercial stakeholders.
Highly self-driven with a strong sense of accountability and a dedication to achieving outstanding results.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 - 10 years
