Sales Manager - Surfactants Division - Specialty Chemicals

Role Overview: We are looking for a commercially driven and results-oriented Sales Manager - Surfactants to spearhead sales and business development initiatives across target markets. The role involves expanding the customer base, strengthening strategic accounts, identifying new revenue opportunities, and driving sustainable business growth. The ideal candidate should possess strong B2B sales expertise, excellent relationship-management skills, and a sound understanding of surfactants, specialty chemicals, or related industries. The candidate will be responsible for managing the complete sales cycle, developing market opportunities, negotiating commercial terms, and collaborating with internal teams to deliver effective customer solutions. Key Responsibilities: 1. Sales Strategy & Business Development: - Develop and execute sales strategies to achieve revenue, volume, and business-growth targets for the Surfactants Division. - Identify new markets, customer segments, and business opportunities to expand market presence. - Generate qualified leads through market research, networking, customer referrals, and field visits. - Develop new customer accounts and convert prospective business opportunities into long-term revenue streams. - Explore opportunities to expand product penetration across existing and potential customers. 2. Key Account & Customer Relationship Management: - Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with key customers, distributors, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders. - Manage existing customer accounts and identify opportunities for account expansion and repeat business. - Understand customer requirements, product applications, commercial expectations, and supply needs. - Conduct regular customer meetings and business reviews to improve customer engagement and retention. - Address customer concerns promptly and coordinate with internal teams to ensure effective resolution. 3. Product Sales & Commercial Management: - Understand customer requirements and coordinate with technical teams to recommend suitable surfactant products and solutions. - Manage product enquiries, sample requests, quotations, pricing discussions, and commercial proposals. - Lead commercial negotiations to achieve profitable business outcomes while maintaining strong customer relationships. - Follow up on samples, product evaluations, purchase orders, and pending commercial discussions to ensure timely conversion. - Coordinate with internal teams for product availability, order processing, documentation, dispatch, and delivery commitments. 4. Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis: - Monitor market trends, competitor activities, pricing movements, and emerging customer requirements. - Identify potential customers, industry developments, and new applications for surfactant products. - Provide actionable market feedback to support sales planning, pricing strategies, and business-development initiatives. - Maintain an updated understanding of market opportunities and changing customer expectations. 5. Sales Performance & Reporting: - Achieve assigned sales, revenue, customer-acquisition, and business-development targets. - Maintain an accurate sales pipeline, customer database, visit reports, and sales forecasts. - Track enquiries, conversion rates, order status, and account performance. - Prepare periodic sales reports and management information system (MIS) updates. - Collaborate with internal stakeholders to improve sales efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance. Key Skills & Competencies: - B2B Sales & Business Development - Surfactants / Specialty Chemicals Sales - Key Account Management - Market Development & Lead Generation - Customer Relationship Management - Commercial Negotiation & Pricing - Sales Pipeline Management & Forecasting - Revenue Growth & Target Achievement - Market Research & Competitive Analysis - Communication, Presentation & Stakeholder Management - MS Excel, CRM & Sales Reporting Preferred Candidate Profile: - Any graduate with 5 - 7 years of relevant experience in B2B sales and business development. - Experience in surfactants, specialty chemicals, chemical ingredients, or chemical distribution will be strongly preferred. - Proven ability to develop new customers, manage key accounts, and achieve sales targets. - Strong commercial understanding, negotiation skills, and customer-management capabilities. - Ability to identify market opportunities, manage sales pipelines, and convert enquiries into business. - Willingness to undertake regular customer visits and market-development activities.