Regional Sales Manager, Paper Chemicals

Job Description

Job Description

Lead and expand a regional sales team for one of the fastest-growing global specialty chemical companies serving the Pulp & Paper industry! Our client has tripled in size over the past several years and is investing heavily in continued expansion.

We are seeking an accomplished District Manager or Regional Sales Manager with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, driving new business development, and capturing market share within the Pulp & Paper chemical industry.

This is an opportunity to lead an established sales team while transforming a high-potential Wisconsin Region into a significantly larger business. The ideal candidate will thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and possess strong technical knowledge of papermaking processes and wet-end chemistry applications, while enjoying considerable autonomy to develop and execute regional growth strategies.

Our client is committed to developing its leaders and promoting from within, offering opportunities for future advancement into broader national sales leadership roles. Regional boundaries may also be adjusted to accommodate the location and experience of the selected candidate.

Essential Job Functions include:

• Lead, coach, mentor, and expand an established team of technical sales representatives to drive regional sales growth, market penetration, and individual performance.
• Develop and execute aggressive regional sales strategies to significantly expand revenue, capture market share, and capitalize on untapped business opportunities.
• Drive new business development for retention and drainage programs, functional additives, wet-end process chemicals, and wastewater treatment specialty chemical applications within the Pulp & Paper industry.
• Establish sales objectives, performance expectations, and accountability measures while recruiting, training, and developing sales professionals to support continued regional expansion.
• Actively participate in major sales opportunities alongside sales representatives, including customer visits, technical evaluations, product trials, commercial proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, develop strategic target account plans, and build relationships with key decisionmakers at paper manufacturing facilities.
• Provide technical and commercial leadership in evaluating wet-end chemistry applications, troubleshooting operational challenges, and recommending solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Develop sales forecasts, monitor regional performance, and provide strategic input on product pricing, competitive intelligence, and long-term business growth initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science, Chemistry, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of sales and/or sales management experience within the Pulp & Paper or specialty paper chemical industries.
• 3+ years of demonstrated sales leadership experience, including responsibility for coaching, mentoring, and developing sales professionals.
• Proven track record of driving new business development, achieving significant sales growth, and developing high-performing sales teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of papermaking processes and wet-end chemistry applications, including retention/drainage aids, flocculants, coagulants, fixatives, polyamines, internal/surface sizing, wet/dry strength resins, defoamers, biocides, and deposit control.
• Experience with various paper manufacturing processes, including packaging, paperboard, coated/uncoated paper, tissue, and towel.
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and consultative selling skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a high sense of urgency, competitive drive, and ability to operate with considerable autonomy.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM systems.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% throughout the assigned region.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.