Head of Sales & Business Development for Personal Care Ingredients

Position Summary

As Head of Sales & Business Development for Personal Care Ingredients, Japan , you will report directly into the Executive Vice President, International Business, and play a pivotal role in leading a dynamic sales team that integrates Key Account Managers (KAMs), Inside Sellers, Customer Service and Experience, Sales Support, and Technical Services. The successful candidate will excel at building relationships within the segment, demonstrating credibility with key decision-makers, and driving initiatives to generate new business opportunities.

POSITION SCOPE

As Regional Sales Lead, Japan, your role is integral in spearheading a highly dynamic and collaborative sales team that seamlessly integrates the expertise of Key Account Managers (KAMs), Inside Sellers, Customer Service and Experience, Sales Support, and Technical Services. Your leadership will be characterized by a strategic vision that not only harmonizes the diverse functions within the team but also propels them towards a unified goal of exceptional sales performance.

The success of the team will pivot on your ability to cultivate and nurture meaningful relationships within the segment. You are not just a leader but a relationship architect, establishing deep connections and building trust with key decision-makers. Your approach will be marked by a genuine understanding of their needs, concerns, and aspirations, creating a rapport that goes beyond the transactional to foster enduring partnerships.

In addition to your leadership skills, your presence in the industry should be synonymous with expertise and excellence. As the face of the team, you are not merely a leader; you are a recognized figure, a go-to expert in the field. Your name should evoke confidence and respect within the market, positioning you as a thought leader whose insights and strategies are sought after and respected.

Your initiatives to generate new business opportunities will not only be impactful within the team but will resonate in the market, establishing you as a pioneer in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. Being a well-known figure in the industry is a strategic advantage that enhances the team's credibility and positions them as a formidable force in the competitive landscape.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Relationship Building:

• Excel at building and nurturing relationships within the segment.

• Establish credibility with key decision-makers to facilitate successful interactions.

2. Business Development:

• Drive the generation of new business opportunities for the Personal Care business.

• Pursue answers and opportunities with relentless determination and a self-starter mentality.

3. Technical Acumen:

• Possess a conversant understanding of relevant technical knowledge.

• Stay informed about industry trends and have a comprehensive understanding of our product portfolio.

4. Planning and Execution:

• Exhibit basic planning skills to strategize and execute successful sales initiatives.

• Lead and execute a Perfect Sale independently, setting a high standard for the team.

5. Financial Accountability:

• Responsible for CM, ensuring financial targets are met.

6. Sales Focus:

Allocate efforts effectively, with a focus on:

• 50% on new business acquisition.

• 20-30% on maintaining key accounts and increasing share of wallet.

• 20-30% on team leadership and development.

7. Account Ownership:

• Directly own the most challenging accounts and significant opportunities within the segment.

8. Decision-Making Empowerment:

• Empowered to make decisions on priorities, such as choosing which customers to spend time with.

• Ability to improvise within established guardrails to drive effective sales strategies.

Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.

Education & Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in administration, Engineering, business, or related sciences, chemical engineering is a Plus.

Experience:

• 7 to 10 years of Strong relationship-building skills with key decision-makers in the Personal Care Market.

• Proven experience in sales leadership, preferably in a role integrating various sales functions.

• Demonstrated ability to drive new business and overcome challenges.

• Technical proficiency in relevant industry knowledge.

• Understanding of industry trends and the company's product portfolio.

• Basic planning and execution skills.

• Track record of successfully leading and executing high-impact sales initiatives.

• Financial acumen with responsibility for EBITDA/OR CM.

• Effective time management and decision-making skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Talents

• Excels in achieving sales outcomes with precision, adeptly leading organizational transformations, nurturing talent, and high-performing sales teams, and fostering a collaborative and purpose-driven work environment.

• Inspires passionate leadership, operates with urgency, and possesses a compelling communication style that motivates and energizes teams to deliver outstanding sales results with direct and Indirect teams.

• Exhibits an accessible, approachable management demeanor, adeptly navigating diverse personalities across all organizational levels.

• Showcases strong presentation skills, effectively communicating and selling ideas across all levels, while actively seeking and valuing input from others.

• Commands a credible and trusted presence, inspiring confidence and forging strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers and within the Vantage organization.

• Embodies the highest ethical standards both personally and professionally, serving as a sterling ambassador for Vantage in the marketplace.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category.

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here. For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.