SBU Head - For a Leading Chemical Company
- Only Chemical engineers with 20 - 25 years experience should apply
- Only candidates with exposure to manufacturing & SCM should apply
About Our Client
Our client is a leading manufacturer and supplier of commodity chemicals, with a strong footprint across the globe.
They have fully integrated manufacturing facilities in India and robust distribution networks.
Job Description
Reporting to the CEO you will be responsible for the following:
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement long-term strategic plans aligned with corporate objectives.
- Identify new product opportunities, markets, and applications for business growth.
- Lead business transformation and digitalization initiatives relevant to the chemicals sector.
- Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, and environmental trends affecting the chemical industry and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Business & Financial Management:
- Own the full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility, ensuring financial performance targets are met or exceeded.
- Develop annual and quarterly budgets, track performance metrics, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Ensure alignment of pricing strategies with raw material cost volatility and market trends.
- Drive working capital efficiency through effective cash flow and inventory management.
- Prepare business cases for investments and capital expenditures (CAPEX).
- Sales, Marketing & Customer Relationship Management:
- Develop and execute comprehensive sales and marketing strategies to expand customer base and increase market share.
- Set performance targets and KPIs for sales teams; review pipeline, conversions, and client satisfaction.
- Build strong relationships with key customers, distributors, and trading partners.
- Lead contract negotiations, long-term agreements, and pricing frameworks.
- Oversee branding, communications, and participation in industry events and trade shows.
- Operations, Supply Chain & Procurement:
- Ensure efficient and safe manufacturing and supply chain operations.
- Collaborate with production heads to align capacity planning with demand forecasts.
- Optimize procurement strategies for raw materials and logistics to reduce costs.
- Implement lean manufacturing, quality control, and process improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental (SHE) standards and regulations.
- Product Management & Innovation:
- Oversee product portfolio management including lifecycle planning, margin optimization, and rationalization.
- Collaborate with R&D to support product improvement and innovation based on market feedback.
- Evaluate backward/forward integration opportunities to enhance the value chain.
- Risk & Compliance:
- Identify commercial, operational, and financial risks; establish mitigation plans.
- Ensure all activities are compliant with local and international regulatory requirements (e.g., REACH, EPA, BIS).
- Drive sustainability initiatives, especially those related to ESG mandates and carbon footprint reduction.
- Team Leadership & Organizational Development:
- Build and mentor a cross-functional team across sales, operations, finance, and supply chain.
- Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture focused on accountability and results.
- Oversee recruitment, talent development, and succession planning.
- Facilitate regular training and upskilling to meet evolving industry demands.
- Reporting & Stakeholder Management:
- Prepare and present performance reports and strategic updates to the Board/Executive Committee.
- Coordinate with internal departments such as finance, legal, HR, and IT to ensure business alignment.
- Engage with industry bodies, government agencies, and key external stakeholders.
The Successful Applicant
A successful SBU Head should have:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field; MBA or advanced business degree preferred.
- 20 to 25 years of experience in the chemical industry, with at least 5 years in a senior management or P&L leadership role.
- Deep understanding of commodity chemicals markets, including key products, trading dynamics, and pricing volatility.
What's on Offer
- An impressive benefits package including healthcare and retirement plans.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.
Contact: Sandy Joseph
Quote job ref: JN-052025-6732703 
