Sales Representative - Isoprene presso Kuraray America

Title: Sales Representative

Location: Houston, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Sales Representative will be responsible for driving sales of Specialty Chemicals across an assigned territory and customer base. This role focuses on achieving sales targets, developing new business opportunities, and strengthening customer relationships, while providing deep product and market expertise. The position requires frequent travel (50%+ across the US and Canada, and some Overseas travel) to engage customers, support business growth, and represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry events.

The ideal candidate will have proven sales experience in the chemical industry, with desirable expertise in fragrance, aroma, and homecare markets. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills, a consultative sales approach, and the ability to translate customer needs into tailored solutions.

Responsibilities:

Customer Relationship Development & Prospecting

• Develop and execute a customer contact plan to promote product launches and expand market reach through targeted sales campaigns.
• Serve as the first point of contact for customer inquiries, providing timely resolutions or escalating issues when necessary.

Customer Needs Clarification

• Prepare clear objectives for each customer interaction.
• Deliver persuasive presentations using standard sales materials while asking probing questions to identify customer needs, with emphasis on fragrance, aroma, and homecare applications.

Sales Opportunity Creation

• Build and expand a professional network within the assigned sales territory across the US and Canada.
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and industry forums to identify new opportunities, promote products, and enhance brand reputation.

Selling Customer Propositions

• Match customer needs with company products and solutions, recommending optimal configurations and quantities.
• Present value-based solutions and negotiate standard commercial terms, securing senior approvals for exceptions as needed.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Data

• Document customer interactions and update CRM systems consistently.
• Develop structured call plans and follow-up strategies to drive business development and customer retention.

Promoting Customer Focus

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance customer satisfaction and build long-term partnerships.
• Share market feedback and customer insights to support innovation and improved service delivery.

Operational Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and industry regulations.
• Identify and report noncompliance concerns promptly, escalating as appropriate.

Performance Management

• Track progress toward personal sales targets while contributing to overall team objectives.
• Actively participate in performance reviews, take corrective actions as needed, and uphold company quality and timeliness standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of sales experience, preferably in the chemical industry.
• Experience working with fragrance, aroma, and/or homecare markets preferred but not mandatory.
• Strong understanding of Specialty Chemicals like Specialty Solvents, and Intermediate Aroma Chemicals..
• Demonstrated success in achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving skills and sound decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize effectively.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (50%+ across the US and Canada).
• Valid driver's license required.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.