Director, Business and Product Development

This role is offered as a remote, home-based position across either the US or Canada, with travel requirements.

About This Role

The Director of Business and Product Development will develop a deep understanding of Chemtrade’s markets, with a primary focus on Water Solutions, and will identify, champion, and assess opportunities that support long-term business growth. This role leads a team of 4 product development and business development professionals, providing direction and guidance to advance initiatives that strengthen and expand the Water business.

• Establishing structured approaches for evaluating and selecting projects.
• Partnering with Manufacturing VP, Business Unit Directors/Managers, Sales Director, and Business VP to maximize asset utilization.
• Identifying and leading new areas of growth for the Water Solutions business.
• Leading organic growth initiatives and collaborating with corporate development to identify M&A opportunities.
• Contributing to business strategy, identifying new markets, and participating in ongoing portfolio analysis.

The Director will serve as a subject matter expert on long-term growth initiatives for the Water Solutions business.

Responsibilities

• Build market intelligence, both current and future state, and become a subject matter expert in Water Solutions markets and products as well as identify attractive markets for growth.
• Develop, refine, and execute identified new business opportunities; provide recommendations enabling senior management to make timely decisions on which projects to develop to completion.
• Lead development of a robust understanding of the Water Solutions market in the US, Canada, and globally where required.
• Research the impact of macro trends (e.g., technology, regulation) on the Water business.
• Develop Chemtrade’s marketing plans and business strategy with the Water business team.
• Evaluate opportunities for new products in Chemtrade’s existing markets.
• Assess new markets for Chemtrade’s current products and new markets for Chemtrade to enter.
• Bring clarity to potential areas of organic growth and external growth (M&A).
• Identify business areas adjacent to Chemtrade’s current portfolio suitable for growth.
• Develop full business cases for new business opportunities covering return-on-investment, profit-loss projections, and annual budgets (revenue, volume, margin, and expenses).
• Review competitors in markets with SWOT analysis.
• Spearhead and participate in idea generation through collaboration, co-creation, and leadership.
• Support the development of a pipeline of new products and markets with accountability for product launch, including margin produced.
• Manage the stage-gate process for new products/opportunities in assigned business segments.
• Participate in key market conferences to better understand markets and opportunities for both current and new businesses.
• Present to the Senior Leadership Team and Business Unit market insights, analysis with recommendations, areas for organic or external growth, and final updates on business development activities.

Qualifications

• Technical (Engineering or Chemistry) undergraduate degree; MBA highly preferred (experience may be substituted).
• 10-15 years in a chemical or related industry is preferable.
• Outstanding quantitative and analytical skills, including expertise in Excel.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to ramp up in multiple areas.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of data into meaningful conclusions/recommendations utilizing good business judgment.
• Ability to work independently and with teams, as well as proactively identify challenges and find solutions.
• Exceptional ability to co-create and work collectively with various business leaders and key stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate left-right (across topics) and up-down (strategy/details).
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills, including the ability to organize, conceptually interpret, and communicate material to the senior leadership team.
• Able to manage multiple projects in parallel, effectively prioritize, and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.

Pay

Base salary range: $210,000 - $230,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

Chemtrade embraces diversity and values the unique qualities of every employee. The company fosters an inclusive work environment with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide platforms for employees to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique backgrounds and perspectives. Chemtrade offers family-friendly benefits and opportunities for career growth and advancement, supporting employees at every stage of their lives.