M&A Activity in Specialty Chemicals: What It Means for Talent
The talent shortage in specialty chemicals isn’t new, but it has become significantly more pronounced over the past several years. For hiring managers, this isn’t just an HR challenge; it’s a business risk that directly impacts growth, customer relationships, and operational performance.
Whether you’re hiring commercial leaders, technical experts, operational or executive leadership, the reality is the same: the pool of qualified, available talent is smaller and more competitive than ever.
The Talent Shortage in Specialty Chemicals: What Hiring Managers Need to Know
The talent shortage in specialty chemicals isn’t new, but it has become significantly more pronounced over the past several years. For hiring managers, this isn’t just an HR challenge; it’s a business risk that directly impacts growth, customer relationships, and operational performance.
Whether you’re hiring commercial leaders, technical experts, operational or executive leadership, the reality is the same: the pool of qualified, available talent is smaller and more competitive than ever.
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Hot Jobs!
Managing Director: Personal Care
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Critical leadership position
- Commercial P&L responsibility
- Transformational growth
- Contact Jeff Bennett: (470) 419-4164 jeff@boazpartners.com
Managing Director: Pharmaceuticals
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Critical leadership position
- Commercial P&L responsibility
- Transformational growth
- Contact Jeff Bennett: (470) 419-4164 jeff@boazpartners.com
Director of Procurement
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Chemical Manufacturer
Privately owned
Reports to CFO, Highly visible role
Domestic and International vendors
Contact Josh Fowee: (470) 410-8220 josh@boazpartners.com
TPE Manager
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Chemical Manufacturer
Privately owned
CI and LEAN-focused environment
Emphasis on Autonomous Maintenance and OEE
Contact Josh Fowee: (470) 410-8220 josh@boazpartners.com
Plant Manager
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Lead all functional areas
- Industry segment leader
- 8 Years Experience in Chemical Manufacturing
- Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degree
- Midwest
- Contact Ricky Foster: (470) 705-0128 ricky@boazpartners.com
Plant Manager
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Lead all functional areas
- 15 Years experience in chemical manufacturing
- Safety mindset
- Chemical or Mechanical Engineering degree
- Southwest
- Contact Sylvia Moreira: (470) 334-0542
sylvia@boazpartners.com
Senior Polymer Chemist
- Thermoset Plastics Manufacturer
SMC & CMC Technologies
Advanced Materials Industry
Project Leader / Customer Facing
Contact Josh Fowee: (470) 410-8220 josh@boazpartners.com
Account Manager
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Chemical Distributor
- Privately owned
- Solvents, CASE, & HI&I
- Regional Territory based out of Houston, TX
- Contact Josh Fowee: (470) 410-8220 josh@boazpartners.com
Business Development Manager
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Privately held Company Founded 75 years ago.
- Market leading technology
- Focused on clients in Aerospace and DoD channels
- 10 Years of sales experience – Components Preferred
- Ownership of customer relationships
- Southeast
- Contact Ricky Foster: (470) 705-0128 ricky@boazpartners.com
Here’s to 11 Years!
We’re celebrating 11 years of Boaz Partners! That is 11 years of having the privilege to play a part in the stories of candidates and organizations. We are so grateful for every connection and partnership we have made over the years. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here is to another great year!
The SOCMA Show is next week! Be on the lookout for Managing Director Wes Washington, Associate Partners & Specialty Chemical Team Lead Jeff Bennett, and Search Executive David Ferguson. Did you know that Boaz Partners is a SOCMA member?
The benefit of attending this show year after year is that we get to shake hands and meet people in the flesh. Our business is about connecting and nurturing partnerships. With the opportunity to speak with many people in the industry, we not only are able to share talent trends, but also industry knowledge from our discussions. If you would like to set up a time to meet, use the QR code to contact our team!
Hiring luck
Great hires aren’t found by luck, they’re made through strategy. Too often, companies fall into the “post and pray” approach, hoping the right candidate applies. In today’s market, the best talent is often passive, not actively searching but open to the right opportunity. Reaching those candidates takes a targeted, proactive effort.
A few quick ways to improve your hiring outcomes:
Go beyond job boards and tap into passive talent networks
- Clearly define success in the role before starting the search: Must haves vs nice to haves
- Move quickly and communicate consistently with candidates
- Partner with experts who already have access to the talent you need
The difference between a missed hire and a great one usually isn’t luck; it’s access, process, and execution.
Q2 Kickoff
As Q1 comes to a close, we’re lining up for the start of the next quarter. In today’s hiring market, the teams that win aren’t waiting to see how the play unfolds. They’re stepping into Q2 with a clear game plan.
Across the specialty chemicals and advanced materials markets, the start of 2026 has been defined by cautious hiring, ongoing talent shortages, and a continued need for highly specialized skill sets. While some organizations have taken a more measured approach, competition for top technical and commercial talent remains strong, and the margin for error is shrinking.
That means heading into Q2, the advantage goes to companies that are intentional, not reactive.
A few ways to start the quarter strong:
- Reassess your Q1 hiring gaps and where projects may be under-resourced
- Align internal stakeholders early to avoid delays once searches begin
- Benchmark compensation and expectations against an increasingly competitive market
- Build flexibility into your hiring plan to adapt as business needs shift
The start of a new quarter is an opportunity to reset your strategy. The teams that execute early in Q2 aren’t relying on momentum alone. They’re creating it from day one.
Most Placeable Candidates
MOST PLACEABLE CANDIDATE: An MPC is someone that we have identified in the industry as a highly qualified and placeable candidate. For more information on this kind of talent, contact info@boazpartners.com
MOST PLACEABLE CANDIDATE: An MPC is someone that we have identified in the industry as a highly qualified and placeable candidate. For more information on this kind of talent, contact info@boazpartners.com
Boaz Specialty Chemicals Team
Boaz Specialty Chemicals Team
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, Boaz Partners is a retained executive recruitment firm providing companies with custom recruiting solutions in the chemicals, plastics, and heavy industrial markets. Our success results from a specialized approach focusing on specific functions, industry, level, and location. Our name “Boaz Partners” refers to Ruth’s husband Boaz in the Old Testament who was known for his swiftness, integrity, and transparency, which provides the pillars of our firm’s service.
Clients and candidates are able to rely on Boaz Partners for our vast industry knowledge and proven search process to reach their hiring goals.
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Boaz Partners, 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, #316, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States
KEEP UP WITH US
Boaz Partners, 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, #316, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States
