Business Unit Manager - Rubber Raw Materials

SUMMARY:
A well-established international rubber polymers engineering company supplying speciality carbon black grades to the industry requires the above to be responsible for identifying growth opportunities, managing product portfolios, and driving sales. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, market insight, and commercial acumen to support customers, expand the business, and maintain the company’s competitive position.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role:

• A tertiary qualification in either chemistry or rubber or polymer sciences or related qual is preferred but not essential.
• Previous experience having worked within the rubber manufacturing or related chemical industry is preferred.
• Experience working with speciality carbon black, fillers, or reinforcing agents is preferred.
• Experience supplying into automotive, tyre, and industrial rubber manufacturing markets is preferred.
• Previous experience having worked within a polymer or plastic, or rubber or related chemical raw material industry having an understanding of rubber raw materials including various rubber grades is pref.
• Rubber / Polymer Market knowledge across the South African market and neighbouring countries is preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite applications and CRM Software.

• Identifying growth opportunities, managing product portfolios, and driving sales within the rubber and related manufacturing market, supplying specialty carbon black grades to the industry.
• This role requires a combination of technical expertise, market insight, and commercial acumen to support customers, expand the business, and maintain the company’s competitive position.
• Developing new business and managing key accounts within the rubber engineering polymers and rubber additive automotive and related manufacturing industries on a national basis for the company.
• Implementing key account plans and strategies to ensure sales targets and objectives are met or exceeded.
• Managing and delivering on technical queries with regards to existing and new products.
• Monitoring market developments in order to identify and assess potential new customers and opportunities.
• Implementing volumes and pricing objectives agreed with key account customers and evaluating technical requirements of specific customers.
• Assisting with selecting the correct material and grade for various applications, based on functionality and performance expectations of material datasheet concerning the performance of the product.
• Analysing sales statistics to develop continuous improvement strategies and drive new strategies when needed.
• Identifying growth opportunities within the local market and conducting technical trials and evaluations to source suitable materials for the application.
• Collaborating with R&D, technical, and production teams to support product development and technical problem-solving.
• Working closely with sales, technical service, supply chain, and marketing teams to ensure seamless delivery of products and solutions.