Chemical Sales Manager

Role Summary

As the Industrial Chemical Sales Manager, you will be responsible for all revenue generation, customer acquisition, account management, pricing strategy, and market development in the Mid-South. This role carries full accountability for sales targets and is expected to grow from initial market entry to a sustained, profitable book of business within the first 12 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the go-to-market strategy for industrial chemical sales across the Mid-South.

• Identify, prospect, and close new accounts with manufacturing, processing, industrial, and municipal facilities — with phased expansion into agricultural markets.

• Build and maintain a qualified pipeline from initial outreach through contract execution; maintain accurate forecasting and activity logging in CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalent).

• Establish competitive pricing strategies that balance gross margin targets with market penetration objectives.

• Negotiate and execute supply agreements, volume contracts, and long-term customer commitments; negotiate product prioritization with suppliers as volume grows.

• Own the full customer lifecycle: prospecting, qualification, proposal, close, onboarding, and ongoing account management.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all customer-facing interactions, including pricing inquiries, product specifications, and issue resolution.

• Conduct regular in-person customer visits to manufacturing sites and facilities across the territory.

• Monitor customer satisfaction, usage patterns, and reorder cycles to maximize retention and expand share of wallet.

• Identify and pursue cross-sell and upsell opportunities as the product portfolio expands.

• Track competitor pricing, product availability, delivery performance, and market positioning across the territory.

• Identify emerging demand trends, new end-use applications, and opportunities to expand the product portfolio.

• Provide regular market intelligence reports to leadership, including competitive landscape analysis and customer feedback.

• Recommend adjustments to pricing, product mix, and territory focus based on market conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of outside sales experience in industrial chemicals, chemical distribution, or closely related industrial product sales in the region.

• Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a territory or account management role.

• Established network of contacts at manufacturing and industrial facilities in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, or the broader Gulf Coast/Southeast regions.

• Working knowledge of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical handling procedures, and relevant DOT/OSHA/EPA regulations.

• Experience with CRM platforms and pipeline management (HubSpot, Salesforce, or equivalent).

• Strong negotiation skills with experience structuring supply agreements, volume contracts, and pricing models.

• Willingness to travel extensively within the territory (estimated 50–70% travel, primarily day trips with occasional overnights).

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, chemistry, engineering, or related field (equivalent experience considered).

Preferred

• Experience building a new sales territory, product line, or division from the ground up.

• Experience with imported or specialty-sourced chemicals and direct-from-origin supply chains.

• Knowledge of international trade logistics, including import documentation, tariffs, and customs processes.

• Existing relationships with Gulf Coast terminal operators, logistics providers, or chemical distributors in the region.