Regional Business Manager

•Reporting To: General Manager / Business Line Director

•Direct Reports: Up to 5 sales and commercial professionals

•Sector: Industrial and Specialty Chemicals Distribution

A major international group leader in the distribution of industrial and specialty chemicals, is seeking a highly experienced and entrepreneurial Regional Business Manager, Chemicals to lead its operations in Nigeria.

This is a critical, high-impact role responsible for driving the aggressive growth and strategic integration of a recently acquired business unit in the West African market. The successful candidate will be instrumental in defining the commercial structure, maximizing value creation, and building a high-performing team in Lagos.

Key Responsibilities

The core mission is to position the company as the leading chemicals distributor in Nigeria by driving sustainable value creation and implementing the group's commercial strategy.Ç

1. Strategic Leadership & Business Development

•Determine, optimize, and manage the commercial structure for the Industrial Chemical Business Unit.

•Drive growth and sustainable value creation, with a deep understanding of key financial drivers (Commercial Margin, Receivables, and Inventory).

•Analyze the industrial market structure to assess and decide on target segments and product portfolios.

•Build a robust pipeline of long-term opportunities, supported by comprehensive business plans.

•Develop a solution-focused mindset and service culture, particularly in the specialty chemicals segment.

2. Commercial & Financial Management

•Manage and optimize the customer portfolio, including key accounts and multinational companies.

•Ensure strict adherence to credit policy and actively manage receivables and credit terms.

•Control working capital exposure by balancing inventory levels with gross margin generation.

•Plan, forecast, and drive the achievement of short-term (18 months) and long-term (2-3 years) objectives for sales volume and margins.

•Analyse and interpret the P&L and balance sheets of customers, competitors, and projects.

3. Team Management & Operations

•Build, mentor, and coach a strong, experienced sales team to achieve defined objectives.

•Define sales operations, monitor team activities, and manage performance reporting.

•Calculate sales incentives and take necessary corrective actions to ensure performance targets are met.

•Oversee the Supply & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle to ensure accurate forecasting and volume planning.

Required Qualifications and Experience

•Education: Master’s degree in Economics, Management, or equivalent. An additional degree or background in Chemistry or a related technical field is a significant advantage.

•Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial management within the industrial sector, preferably in chemicals, distribution, or a related field.

•Market Knowledge: Deep, verifiable knowledge of the Nigerian industrial market, its structure, local players, and general chemical applications.

•Financial Acumen: Mandatory financial knowledge, including the ability to understand and interpret P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.

•Leadership: Proven track record of successfully managing, coaching, and motivating a sales force.

•Mindset: Strong entrepreneurial drive, strategic mindset, and high levels of proactivity, integrity, and rigor.

•Language: Fluency in English is mandatory.

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