Senior Business Development Specialist - Specialty Chemicals and Materials Trading

Position Title: Senior Business Development Specialist – Specialty Chemicals and Materials TradingLocation: Costa Mesa, CA Classification: Full-Time, ExemptWork Schedules: 9am – 5pm Overtime: Frequent (due to global time zones and client-driven demands, regular overtime and occasional weekend availability are required)SummaryA premier, specialized global trading corporation is seeking an ambitious, high-energy Senior Business Development Specialist for their Costa Mesa office. Operating at the pre-manager level, this role is a direct pipeline for a next-generation leader who understands the unique agility, relationship-driven ecosystem, and fast-paced dynamics of international commerce.Unlike a traditional manufacturing framework centered around a fixed product catalog of their own produced items, this position demands a highly curious and adaptable professional capable of managing a highly diverse, ever-evolving portfolio of raw materials and technical components. The organization’s global trade spans advanced energy components, specialized chemical formulations, industrial printing media, high-performance polymers, and international agricultural supply networks. This role is designed for a driven, fiercely commercial sales professional who possesses the intellectual agility to master multiple commodities simultaneously and run hard in a true trading house environment.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited toDevelop and manage new and existing high-value client and supplier portfolios; lead strategic commercial meetings, introduce new raw materials, and optimize international logistics pipelines.Source top-tier vendors, engineer complex commercial quotations, and aggressively negotiate pricing structures between global suppliers and clients to secure high-margin supply contracts.Undertake heavy domestic and international travel (33% to 50% of the month, typically spanning 3–5 days per trip) across the US and Asia (including Japan) to audit suppliers, visit clients, and secure new business.Actively pursue warm leads, conduct cold outreach, and execute on-site client presentations to introduce technical materials into new supply chains.Coordinate itineraries for overseas suppliers and accompany them on critical client visits to streamline compliance, execute non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and facilitate product sample evaluations.Oversee corporate trade show and exhibition initiatives, managing everything from registration and booth design to active on-site attendance for brand promotion.Utilize advanced cross-cultural communication capabilities and bridge gaps between international stakeholders, streamline cross-border communication, and champion executive-led corporate initiatives.Qualifications5 to 10 years of robust business-to-business (B2B) sales or account management experience within a fast-paced international trading company or distribution environment.Deep conceptual understanding of raw material trading and supply chain mechanics, with a proven preference for trading agility over traditional manufacturing structures.Proven capability to handle multiple shifting priorities, sharp multitasking abilities, and a resilient, flexible approach to managing client-driven schedules and global time zones.High intellectual curiosity and the learning agility required to pivot across vastly different product lines rather than a single manufacturer portfolio.Direct experience working within an international corporate environment or a proven track record of managing accounts and trading relationships across diverse global business cultures.Ability to travel frequently (up to 50% time), including international trips to Asia and occasional weekend travel. A valid driver’s license and an active passport are mandatory.Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) for building pricing models, market reports, and client presentations.Bachelor’s Degree in Business, International Relations, or a related technical/industrial field.Prior exposure to or interest in technical trading sectors, such as high-performance resins (for automotive/appliances), functional chemicals, semiconductor/display materials, digital print media, or global food/agricultural supply chains (preferred).Direct experience working within a Japanese corporate environment or a proven track record of managing accounts and trading relationships with Japanese organizations (highly preferred).The base pay range listed reflects what we reasonably expect to offer for this role. Actual pay may vary based on location, experience, and performance. Depending on the position, benefits may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and savings plans; paid holidays and time off; supplemental insurance; and additional wellness or incentive programs.