Business Director - Chemical Manufacturing

About The Role

This company is a leading manufacturer in the specialty chemical industry, serving global markets with a strong presence in Japan and North America. The Business Director will own P&L accountability for a core business segment, leading strategy across sales, marketing, production, and technical service functions while serving as the primary liaison between the North American organization and its global parent company. This role reports directly to executive leadership and oversees a Product Manager/Specialist and Sales Manager, with indirect oversight of the broader sales team, technical service, technology, and production functions.

Responsibilities

• Own full P&L accountability for the business segment, developing strategies to grow revenue and variable margin while optimizing cost structures, production efficiency, and pricing models.
• Lead market expansion efforts across regional and international markets, build competitive intelligence frameworks, and drive pricing strategy to maintain profitability and competitive position.
• Guide sales strategy and market penetration tactics, build relationships with key strategic customers and industry partners, and lead cross-functional efforts to improve customer retention.
• Oversee product lifecycle management, approve new development initiatives, and partner with R&D and production to speed time to market for new products.
• Drive digital transformation efforts, including AI-powered forecasting tools, CRM optimization, and e-commerce expansion, using data analytics to sharpen pricing and demand forecasting decisions.
• Serve as the key connection point with the company's global organization, coordinating with production, supply chain, and finance teams on operational efficiency, and working with Technical Service, Application Development, and R&D to prioritize technology programs.
• Mentor and develop high-potential talent, build succession plans, and provide clear career development paths for direct reports.
• Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, and customer meetings, and regularly report on market trends and competitor activity to align North American strategy with global objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Polymer Science, Business, or Marketing.
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience, preferably in chemicals, materials, or specialty manufacturing.
• Experience in a business leadership role such as Business Manager, Sales Director, or Product Manager.
• Strong knowledge of commercial functions including sales, marketing, strategic planning, production, and quality.
• Demonstrated experience with P&L management, pricing strategy, and market expansion.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time, domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA.
• Experience working with international teams and cross-cultural business environments, particularly with Japan-based partners or affiliates.
• Experience in the chemical or specialty materials manufacturing industry at a global organization.

Pay

$155,000 to $192,000 annually.

Schedule

Full time. Approximately 50% travel required, including regular trips to Japan and to Decatur, Alabama, along with other domestic travel as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Additional benefits to be confirmed with employer.