Senior Sales Manager - Performance Coatings Group

Lubrizol Corporation•Brecksville, OH

10d•Remote

About The Position

The Sales Manager, Performance Coatings & Specialty Additives is responsible for leading a team of Account Managers to drive revenue growth, market expansion, and customer engagement across the paints, coatings, inks, and related specialty materials markets. This role develops and executes regional and national sales strategies, builds high-performing customer-focused teams, and ensures the successful commercialization of specialty additive technologies including hyperdispersants, surface modifiers, and other performance-enhancing chemistries. The Sales Manager serves as a strategic business leader, partnering closely with Technical, R&D, Product Management, Marketing, and Operations teams to identify growth opportunities, strengthen customer relationships, and expand into adjacent markets and emerging technologies. The position is accountable for achieving sales targets, developing talent, and driving profitable growth across the business portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related field required.
Minimum of 8 years of progressive sales, account management, or business development experience within the paints, coatings, inks, specialty chemicals, or related industries.
Minimum of 3 years of people leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, and talent development.
Demonstrated success leading sales teams and delivering sustained revenue growth.
Strong understanding of specialty additives, including hyperdispersants, surface modifiers, and performance-enhancing technologies.
Experience identifying and commercializing opportunities in adjacent markets and emerging applications.
Proven leadership and team development capabilities.
Strong strategic planning, business acumen, and commercial decision-making skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing abilities.
Ability to build executive-level customer relationships and manage complex sales cycles.
Strong technical aptitude and ability to translate technical solutions into business value.
Data-driven approach to sales management, forecasting, and business analysis.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and capable of leading through change.

Nice To Haves

MBA or other advanced business degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Account Managers to achieve sales, profitability, and growth objectives.
Establish performance expectations, sales goals, and development plans while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus.
Conduct performance reviews, territory assessments, and pipeline reviews to drive individual and team success.
Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with business objectives, revenue targets, and market priorities.
Identify and pursue opportunities within existing accounts, new customers, adjacent markets, and emerging applications.
Analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive dynamics to optimize growth strategies and expand market presence.
Build and maintain executive-level customer relationships and support strategic account planning activities.
Lead or support complex customer negotiations, commercial agreements, pricing strategies, and contract renewals.
Ensure exceptional customer experience while balancing customer needs with company growth and profitability objectives.
Partner with R&D, Technical Service, Product Management, Marketing, and Operations to deliver customer-focused solutions and support business objectives.
Drive the successful commercialization and adoption of specialty additive technologies, including new product introductions.
Ensure the sales team effectively communicates technical value propositions and market differentiation.
Monitor sales performance, forecasts, pipeline activity, market intelligence, and financial results to drive informed decision-making.
Provide business updates and actionable insights to leadership, identifying risks and growth opportunities.
Represent the company at customer meetings, trade shows, industry associations, and professional events to strengthen market presence and industry relationships.