Head of Sales - Paper and Carpet

At BASF, we create chemistry through the power of connected minds. By balancing economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, we are building a more sustainable future through chemistry. As the world’s leading chemical company, we help our customers in nearly every industry meet the current and future needs of society through science and innovation.

We provide a challenging and rewarding work environment with a strong emphasis on process safety, as well as the safety of our employees and the communities we operate in and are always working to form the best team—especially from within, through an emphasis on lifelong learning and development.

And we are constantly striving to become an even better place to work. BASF has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of World’s Best Employers in 2024. Come join us on our journey to create solutions for a sustainable future!

Head of Sales, Paper & Carpet –Chattanooga, TN

The Head of Sales, Paper & Carpet is responsible for independently driving the short & long term profitability of the carpet & paper segment through leading the team, strong customer interactions and co-ordination with the asset and supply chain.

Where the Chemistry Happens

Formula for Success

• Responsible for annual sales, volume & contribution margin targets in the Carpet & Paper market segments
• Responsible for customer & segment strategy; developing the future customer and product portfolio in line with market needs and ensuring plant & logistic capabilities to fulfil these
• Lead, support & develop the strong Paper & Carpet Sales and technical Service Team
• Negotiation of Major customer contracts and pricing
• Identify new opportunities and drive innovation/sustainability roadmap
• Co-ordinate closely with the plant and supply chain to ensure seamless customer experience
• Provide market intelligence and trends as well as customer performance updates
• Continuous cost optimization to ensure long-term competitiveness

Ingredients for Success: What We Look for in You…

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or technical field such as Chemistry or Engineering
• Master’s degree or above in business administration, economics, or technical field (preferred)

Experience:

• 8 plus years commercial experience in Business Management, Sales or Product Management with focus on pricing & margin management

• Strong and convincing communication & presentation skills

• Customer experience

• Fluent in English, both written & verbal

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in a multinational company in sales or business management.

• Negotiation & contracting experience, especially large contracts

• Experience in leading a team

• Pricing & variable cost optimization

• Coordination with Supply Chain & Asset Management

• Experience in Polymer Dispersions, Carpet & paper markets & application know how

Other Skills:

• Entrepreneurial & decision making with uncertainty

• Strategic thinking and creative problem-solving abilities

• Strong negotiation skills, especially in high-pressure situations

• Ability to motivate and communicate with both senior and entry level team members in a virtual environment

• Comfortable in conflict situations

• Build strong relationships with executive level customer management

• Mature personality with strong business acumen: ability to identify & implement the key business opportunities.

• Work across all functions and business to bring the greatest value to the business

• Coordinate industry needs with N-EDN abilities

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact myhr@basf.com to report fraud.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.