What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distribution Manager position at Valtris Specialty Chemicals?
At Valtris, our purpose is simple: we manufacture and provide specialty chemicals that improve our customers’ products and processes; by helping our customers develop innovative and sustainable products. Join our team, and you will be challenged creatively and provided opportunities allowing your career to grow with you.
The Distribution Channel Manager is responsible for driving profitable growth and managing Valtris' network of distribution partners in the US and Canada. This involves developing and executing strategic initiatives to enhance customer experience, optimize sales performance, and align distribution strategies with overall business goals. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, deep analytical skills, and effective cross-functional collaboration. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of success in sales, distribution channel management (ideally within the chemical industry), and demonstrable experience with market intelligence, customer segmentation, and data-driven decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive sustainable growth within the distribution channel in US/CA via successful partnerships with selected distribution channel partners while collaborating globally within Performance and Functional Additives.
- Enable the success of distribution partners via training, support, face-to-face engagement, and leadership of strategic commercial initiatives (e.g., customer experience, product knowledge, service level expectations).
- Set & track clear goals with distribution partners via regular cross-functional quarterly engagements, including KPI review (e.g., sales vs. AOP, pipeline, forecast, payment, inventory).
- Actively support strategic annual and quarterly reviews of distribution partners (and contracting where agreed) as part of the global team to ensure optimized channel management within Performance and Functional Additives at Valtris.
- Implement and manage differentiated service offerings aligned with customer segmentation models for Distribution Partners.
- Collaborate proactively with Technical Marketing, and Sales Director to support distribution partners and drive commercial strategies.
- Ensure adherence to Valtris' governance processes, including contract management, pricing approval workflows, and service level compliance.
- Utilize Salesforce CRM and data analytics tools to identify growth opportunities, manage pipeline health, and monitor distribution performance.
- Identify and mitigate risks within the distribution network, including financial, operational, and market-related risks.
- Lead ongoing training and capability development for distribution partners on Valtris' products, services, and engagement processes.
Key Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA is preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing, sales or distribution channel management, ideally within the chemical or related industry. Proven track record of exceeding sales targets and driving business growth. Experience with customer segmentation and differentiated service offerings is beneficial.
Skills:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and data analysis tools (Excel, Tableau, etc.)
- Understanding of sales processes, business rules, and market dynamics
- Ability to lead and manage projects across multiple functions
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team
We offer a competitive salary and benefit plans focused on the well-being of our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts and 401(k).
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration protected by law.