Open Positions

The Opportunity 

• Well-established small company with proprietary manufacturing & processing technology, solid base of existing business   
• Looking to expand further in existing markets beyond current customer base, and enter into new markets where the value prop is strong 
• Exceptional opportunity for a strategically-minded hunter; competitive base plus generous incentive and solid benefits 
• High level of autonomy – report directly to the Board, create the business plan and build the business without micromanagement  
• If you’ve been looking for a place to make an impact and be rewarded, without all the bureaucracy and red tape, this is ideal 

What You’ll Do 

• Directly identify, pursue and close significant new business opportunities in existing market segments including investment powders, castings, countertops, dental, caulks & sealants 
• Research, develop and implement market plan for new segments of strategic interest e.g. road marking, construction (stucco) and other opportunities for non-reactive fillers. Prioritize and pursue most attractive opportunities across multiple segments  
• Build customer relationships at all levels – from executive to purchasing to the floor. Travel as needed 
• Develop sales forecasts and recommend pricing based on existing models 
• Call in to bi-monthly Board meetings to provide an updated market synopsis/overview as well as take minutes, noting board votes etc. 
• Learn the production process and key variables impacting production rate and margin; coordinate closely with the Plant Manager on production schedule & lead times, to maximize profitability and ensure optimum service 
• Manage existing key customer relationships 
• Directly manage office admin/customer service rep  

The Profile 

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required – Business or ChE, Chemistry, etc. 
• 8+ years experience successful current/recent experience in sales of minerals, ceramics, or similar to industrial process end-use markets such as road marking, investment casting, construction products, etc. – this is a MUST HAVE  
• Broad market segment experience base (vs deep focus in one niche market or application) is an advantage 
• Proven track record opening up and profitably growing new markets from a position of limited visibility – you are comfortable doing both the front-end market analysis, planning, and also the direct business development and closing. This is the central function of this role, so this is an absolute requirement! 
• Experience with pricing, forecasting, and understand P&L 
• Comfortable being an “army of one” with a broad scope, including working with the Plant – you have the technical competency to collaborate closely with the Plant Manager on production scheduling and logistics 
• Experience working for a small company wearing many hats – you enjoy the autonomy and are highly self-motivated, with a high level of initiative and resourcefulness, finding ways to get the important things done without needing close supervision to stay on track  
• Genuine communicator and relationship builder with all levels: you have direct experience building bridges with executive decisionmakers, purchasing/procurement personnel and the operators who use your products/materials daily 
• Effective presentation skills – you’re comfortable presenting to the Board on a regular basis as well as to customers 
• Live close to a major airport; willing to travel up to 50% initially. East or Midwest are preferred; being within reach of either VA/WV or OH very helpful but not required