Strategic Business Manager (Specialty Chemicals, Fine Chemicals, Oilfield)

Role Overview

We are looking for a highly driven and entrepreneurial Strategic Business Manager to join our leadership team and drive business growth across specialty chemical value chains. This role combines strategy, category management, commercial excellence, and P&L ownership.

The ideal candidate will work closely with founders and business leaders to identify growth opportunities, build scalable business plans, manage profitability, and drive strategic initiatives from conception to execution. This is a high-impact role with significant exposure to business decision-making and category ownership.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Business Growth

Develop and execute strategic growth plans for assigned business categories and value chains.

Identify new business opportunities, high-growth markets, and emerging product segments.

Drive annual operating plans (AOP), long-term business roadmaps, and growth initiatives.

Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and industry assessments to support strategic decisions.

Translate business opportunities into actionable commercial strategies.

P&L Ownership & Business Performance

Own revenue, gross margin, and profitability targets for assigned categories/business units.

Monitor business performance through financial and operational KPIs.

Drive pricing strategies, margin expansion initiatives, and profitability improvement programs.

Analyze business performance and recommend corrective actions where required.

Present business reviews and performance updates to senior leadership.

Category & Value Chain Management

Develop deep expertise across specialty chemical value chains, including raw materials, intermediates, and end-use applications.

Identify opportunities for portfolio expansion, backward integration, and downstream market development.

Build category growth strategies aligned with customer demand and market trends.

Evaluate sourcing, manufacturing, and commercialization opportunities across global markets.

Business Development & Commercial Excellence

Drive customer acquisition and strategic account growth.

Build long-term relationships with key customers, suppliers, and channel partners.

Lead commercial negotiations and high-value business discussions.

Work closely with sales teams to unlock new business opportunities and expand market share.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate with sourcing, manufacturing, R&D, supply chain, finance, and operations teams.

Lead strategic projects involving multiple business functions.

Ensure alignment between commercial objectives and operational execution.

Drive organizational initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, and growth.

Founder’s Office & Strategic Initiatives

Partner directly with founders on critical strategic and operational initiatives.

Support investment decisions, market entry strategies, and business expansion opportunities.

Prepare executive presentations, business cases, and leadership dashboards.

Drive special projects with end-to-end ownership and measurable outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Experience

5-10 years of experience in Strategy, Business Planning, Category Management, Corporate Strategy, Management Consulting, Specialty Chemicals, or Business Operations.

Experience managing business performance, profitability, or P&L is highly preferred.

Prior exposure to specialty chemicals, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, or related sectors is advantageous.

Business Acumen

Strong understanding of business strategy, financial planning, and commercial operations.

Proven ability to drive revenue growth and profitability.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Leadership Skills

Ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.

Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated ownership mindset and execution excellence.

Entrepreneurial DNA

Thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Comfortable with ambiguity and capable of solving complex business problems.

Passionate about building and scaling businesses from the ground up.