Sr. Sales Specialist

Kuraray America

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Sales Specialist is responsible for driving revenue growth across an assigned territory by exceeding sales targets, developing complex new business opportunities, and managing high-value customer relationships through consultative selling and deep market expertise. This role supports the EVAL business, serving customers across end-use industries such as packaging (including food and pharmaceutical), automotive, and other specialty industrial applications where high barrier performance, sustainability, and technical collaboration are critical. Operating with a high degree of independence, this role engages mid-to-senior level customer stakeholders, including procurement, manufacturing, technical, and executive leadership, and serves as a knowledgeable resource for colleagues within the sales function. The role requires extensive travel (50%+) to maintain customer engagement, support business development, and represent the company at industry events.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, Polymer Engineering /Science or a related field
Minimum 7 years of sales experience, preferably in the chemical industry
Experience selling specialty polymers, barrier resins, or performance materials into packaging, automotive, or related industrial markets preferred
Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets across mid-size and large accounts
Experience engaging mid-to-senior level customer contacts across procurement, manufacturing, and technical functions, up to C-suite
Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Proficiency in Power BI, including dashboard development and data modeling; experience connecting to SAP and Excel data sources preferred
Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
Ability to manage competing priorities and operate with a high degree of autonomy
Willingness to travel 50%+ of the time
Valid driver's license required

Nice To Haves

Experience selling specialty polymers, barrier resins, or performance materials into packaging, automotive, or related industrial markets
Experience connecting to SAP and Excel data sources

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategic customer contact plans aligned with product launches and targeted sales campaigns
Serve as a trusted point of contact for customer inquiries and escalated issues; resolve complex matters independently and engage internal resources as appropriate
Identify and pursue new business opportunities through targeted outreach, market analysis, and relationship development
Lead customer meetings and presentations with well-defined objectives and tailored messaging for the audience
Assess customer needs through consultative dialogue and align product and service solutions accordingly, including specifications, quantities, and configurations
Negotiate commercial terms within authorized parameters; provide informed recommendations on concessions and escalate when appropriate
Develop and deliver business cases and value propositions to mid-to-senior level stakeholders, including procurement, manufacturing, technical, and C-suite contacts
Maintain accurate and timely records of customer interactions, follow-up actions, and opportunity status in the CRM system
Develop and manage account plans that support long-term retention, share growth, and relationship depth
Serve as a collaborative resource to internal colleagues, sharing market intelligence and customer insights to support broader business objectives
Manage a portfolio of mid-size to large accounts with a focus on growing share of wallet and expanding relationships across customer organizations
Build and maintain a strong professional network within the assigned territory, including industry contacts and key decision-makers
Represent the organization at trade shows and industry events to identify opportunities, promote products, and reinforce the company's market presence