About the Company

A rapidly growing chemical company is seeking a strategic and highly technical commercial leader. This company delivers complex chemistry solutions across diverse industries.

This is a pivotal, newly created role to drive business development for North America. The company operates in the intermediate stage of the value chain and engages with customers on sophisticated, high-value technical projects, often identifying and solving challenges before the customer recognizes them.

Position Overview

The VP of Business Development will lead North American business development strategy and execution, focusing on deep customer engagement and high-complexity chemistry projects. This role requires a technically astute, hunter-minded leader with the credibility to operate at the C-suite level of global clients and the skill to convert capabilities into long-term, solution-based partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead North American business development strategy for the company’s specialty chemicals capabilities.
  • Drive revenue growth by targeting major industry players and building multi-year, service-based partnerships.
  • Manage and mentor two direct reports—commercial business leads from recently acquired entities.
  • Identify customer gaps and align internal capabilities to provide tailored solutions across polymerization, organic/inorganic synthesis, catalysis, and specialty processing.
  • Negotiate and execute Agreements (MSAs) and complex commercial contracts.
  • Partner with technical teams to ensure commercial strategy aligns with high-value, non-commodity chemistry services.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences and events, positioning the organization as a leader in technical problem-solving.
  • Maintain a strong presence in front of customers (60–70% travel).

Qualifications

  • Proven senior-level business development experience, preferably in specialty or performance chemicals.
  • Strong technical foundation—Advanced Chemistry degree (MS) required; PhD in Chemistry preferred (Chemical Engineering considered).
  • Deep knowledge of polymerization, organic/inorganic synthesis, catalysts, and specialty chemical processes.
  • Demonstrated success securing and managing major commercial projects/contracts.
  • Experience selling chemical know how as technical services to be offered rather than commodity products.
  • Track record of engaging with large, complex customers and driving significant revenue impact.
  • Hunter mentality—strategic, consultative, and able to penetrate new markets.