Account Manager - Personal Care Ingredients - Midwest Region

This role is responsible for driving profitable growth within a defined territory, developing strategic customer relationships, and delivering consultative, solution-based sales across a portfolio of specialty personal care ingredients. The position focuses on partnering with R&D teams, formulators, and procurement stakeholders to identify opportunities, introduce innovative ingredient solutions. Client Details Our client is a global distributor of specialty ingredients and performance materials, serving a diverse set of industries including personal care, home care, nutrition, and industrial applications. With a well-established international footprint and a growing presence across North America, the organization partners with leading global manufacturers to deliver high-performance ingredients along with technical formulation support. The company is known for its entrepreneurial culture, customer-centric mindset, and strong technical capabilities, including access to advanced application labs and formulation expertise. Its decentralized structure allows for fast decision-making and close alignment with regional markets, making it a highly agile and responsive partner to customers. As part of a strategic expansion across multiple U.S. regions, the organization is seeking a senior commercial professional to drive territory growth within its high-priority personal care segment. Description This role is responsible for driving profitable growth within a defined territory, developing strategic customer relationships, and delivering consultative, solution-based sales across a portfolio of specialty personal care ingredients. The position focuses on partnering with R&D teams, formulators, and procurement stakeholders to identify opportunities, introduce innovative ingredient solutions, and expand market share. Success in this role requires a blend of technical understanding, commercial acumen, and relationship management skills. This is an ideal opportunity for a self-directed sales professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys building business through both existing relationships and new market development. Own and execute territory growth strategy across assigned regional markets Identify, develop, and convert new business opportunities within personal care applications Build strong relationships with formulators, contract manufacturers, and brand owners Deliver compelling value propositions aligned with customer formulation and business needs Maintain and grow existing accounts while expanding product penetration Track pipeline activity and opportunities through CRM systems Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging ingredient innovations Collaborate with internal technical teams to support customer formulation and application needs Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings Partner with supplier principals to align offerings with market demand Profile Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related technical field 10-15+ years of experience in technical sales, product management, or formulation support within specialty ingredients Demonstrated success growing a sales territory and exceeding revenue targets Experience selling into personal care markets (skin care, hair care, cosmetics, etc.) strongly preferred Established industry relationships and supplier connections are highly valued Strong consultative sales approach (features, advantages, benefits methodology) Ability to engage both technical and commercial stakeholders Solid understanding of pricing dynamics, margins, and competitive positioning Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills Highly organized with strong pipeline and territory management capabilities Comfortable working independently in a remote, field-based environment Proficiency with CRM tools and reporting systems Job Offer Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus structure Comprehensive healthcare and benefits package Retirement plan with company contribution High level of autonomy with strong leadership support Opportunity to join a fast-growing segment within a global organization Access to technical resources and application expertise to support sales efforts Entrepreneurial environment with clear pathways for career advancement Exposure to innovative ingredient technologies and evolving market trends MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.