Managing Director – Specialty Chemicals (USA)

Our trusted client is looking for a Managing Director to lead the strategic, commercial, and operational direction of a growing specialty chemicals business across the United States. Reporting to the Board, this executive will be responsible for driving profitable growth, strengthening customer relationships, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring operational excellence across the organisation. The role will play a key part in shaping the company’s long-term strategy while identifying new opportunities for expansion across North America.

• Develop and execute the company’s long-term business strategy aligned with shareholder objectives
• Drive profitable revenue growth across existing markets and identify new market opportunities
• Lead the overall commercial, operational, and financial performance of the business
• Build and maintain a high-performance leadership team focused on accountability and continuous improvement
• Represent the business with customers, suppliers, industry associations and key stakeholders

• Develop and execute commercial strategies to grow market share across key specialty chemical sectors
• Build and strengthen strategic relationships with major customers and distribution partners
• Identify acquisition, partnership and market expansion opportunities
• Lead contract negotiations with strategic customers and suppliers
• Ensure customer-focused solutions that deliver sustainable competitive advantage

• Oversee manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, customer service and operational performance
• Drive operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, quality and efficiency
• Ensure effective inventory management and supply continuity
• Support capital investment projects and capacity expansion where required
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across all business functions

• Deliver sustainable revenue growth, profitability, and EBITDA targets
• Own annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes
• Monitor key financial and operational KPIs across the business
• Drive margin improvement through pricing strategy, operational efficiencies and commercial excellence
• Ensure effective cash flow and working capital management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state and industry regulations
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, environmental compliance and operational excellence
• Oversee corporate governance, legal compliance and risk management activities
• Ensure adherence to company policies, ethical standards and corporate governance requirements

• Lead, develop and inspire a multi-functional executive leadership team
• Build succession plans and develop future leadership capability
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused and performance-driven culture
• Champion employee engagement, talent development and organisational effectiveness

• Identify opportunities for innovation, product development and market diversification
• Support investment in new technologies and manufacturing capabilities
• Evaluate strategic partnerships, acquisitions and integration opportunities
• Drive digital transformation and business improvement initiatives

• Board of Directors
• Executive Leadership Team
• Commercial, Operations, Finance, HR, and Technical Leadership Teams
• Key Customers and Distribution Partners
• Strategic Suppliers
• Industry Associations
• External Advisors

• Significant executive leadership experience within the specialty chemicals industry
• Proven experience leading a P&L with full commercial and operational responsibility
• Strong track record of delivering sustainable business growth and profitability
• Extensive experience developing strategic customer relationships across North America
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong commercial negotiation and business development expertise
• Experience operating within manufacturing or industrial chemical environments

• Experience leading private equity-backed or privately owned businesses
• International business leadership experience
• Experience delivering business transformation, acquisitions, or integration projects
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
• MBA or equivalent executive qualification

• Strategic, commercially driven and results-oriented
• Inspirational leader with exceptional communication skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business acumen
• Decisive and comfortable leading through change
• High integrity with excellent stakeholder management skills
• Customer-focused with a passion for building long-term partnerships