Location:
United States | Remote (Travel Required)
Employment Type:
Full-Time or Consultant / Advisor
Seniority:
Mid-Senior to Executive Level (Title Based on Experience)
Industry:
Specialty Chemicals | Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers (CASE)
About the Opportunity
Empath-Lab is exclusively partnering with a
well-funded, high-growth specialty chemicals company
to expand its commercial presence across the United States.
Our client is transforming the specialty chemicals industry by combining
AI-driven research and development, chemical manufacturing, sourcing and supply chain capabilities
to help industrial customers accelerate product innovation and simplify chemical procurement.
Backed by leading global investors, the company has raised
$40M in Series A funding
and already works with
200+ enterprise customers
, including several globally recognised industrial organisations.
We're particularly interested in professionals with experience in:
Alkyd Resins
– Alkyds and resin technologies used in industrial and protective coatings.
Epoxy Resins
– Epoxy systems, specialty resins and related applications.
Adhesives & Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)
– Adhesive technologies, formulations and raw materials.
Industrial Coatings
– Specialty chemicals and raw materials supplied to coatings manufacturers.
We also welcome candidates with broader experience across:
CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers)
Specialty resins and polymers
Solvents and related specialty chemicals
We are open to both full-time employees and experienced consultants/advisors
, including semi-retired industry professionals interested in flexible commercial engagements.
For full-time appointments, the designation and scope of responsibility will be aligned with the successful candidate's experience, seniority and commercial capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Drive new business development:
Identify, pursue and convert new enterprise customers across the CASE market, with a focus on generating net-new revenue.
Develop strategic customer relationships:
Build and strengthen relationships with chemical manufacturers, formulators, distributors and industrial buyers.
Own commercial opportunities end-to-end:
Lead prospecting, customer engagement, technical-commercial discussions, negotiations and deal closure.
Leverage industry expertise:
Identify customer challenges, understand formulation and application requirements, and position relevant specialty chemical solutions.
Shape go-to-market strategy:
Identify market opportunities, develop account strategies and contribute to the company's US commercial expansion.
Collaborate cross-functionally:
Work with technical, R&D, manufacturing and supply chain teams to develop commercially viable customer solutions.
What We're Looking For
Demonstrated experience in
specialty chemicals sales, business development or commercial leadership
, ideally within the CASE segment.
Strong understanding of one or more of the following: coatings, resins, alkyds, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, additives or related specialty chemical products.
Established relationships with manufacturers, formulators, distributors or enterprise buyers in the US chemicals industry.
Proven ability to
generate net-new business
, open strategic accounts and build revenue pipelines rather than solely manage inherited accounts.
Ability to engage both technical and commercial stakeholders, translating product capabilities into compelling business value.
An entrepreneurial, commercially driven mindset with the ability to operate independently in a high-growth environment.
Willingness to travel for customer meetings and business development activities.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Join a well-funded growth company:
Be part of a business backed by prominent global investors with significant commercial traction.
Work at the intersection of AI and specialty chemicals:
Help commercialise a technology-enabled approach to chemical development, manufacturing and sourcing.
High ownership and autonomy:
Play a meaningful role in shaping market expansion, customer acquisition and commercial strategy.
Leverage your industry network:
Put your existing customer relationships and sector expertise to work in a high-impact commercial role.
Flexible engagement models:
Choose between a full-time career opportunity or a consulting/advisory arrangement suited to your experience and availability.
Remote-first:
Work remotely within the United States, with travel to customers and industry events as required.
Employment Options
Full-Time Employment (FTE)
Suitable for commercially ambitious sales and business development professionals looking to build and scale a business. The final title and scope will depend on experience and may range from Business Development Manager to senior commercial leadership.
Consultant / Advisor
Suitable for seasoned industry professionals, including those transitioning towards retirement, who have deep CASE expertise, established customer relationships and an interest in driving business development through a flexible engagement model.
Interested in Exploring?
If you have built a career in specialty chemicals and enjoy opening doors, developing customer relationships and creating new commercial opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.