Chemlex is seeking an experienced General Manager to provide strategic leadership and overall management of the company's chemical distribution and specialty chemical business.
The General Manager will be responsible for developing and executing the company's business strategy, driving sustainable revenue and profitability growth, expanding key markets and product portfolios, strengthening strategic supplier and customer relationships, and improving the overall commercial and operational effectiveness of the organisation.
The role requires a commercially driven leader who is able to translate long-term business objectives into actionable strategies while maintaining oversight of the company's financial, commercial and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the company's medium- and long-term business strategy in alignment with the Directors vision and growth objectives.
- Lead the overall commercial direction of the company, including revenue growth, profitability, market positioning and business expansion.
- Identify new market opportunities, customer segments, product categories and strategic partnerships within the chemical and industrial sectors.
- Develop strategies to expand the company's chemical distribution and specialty chemical portfolio.
- Evaluate new business opportunities, investments, supplier partnerships and market-entry opportunities.
- Establish and manage annual business plans, revenue targets, budgets and profitability objectives.
- Maintain overall responsibility for business performance, including sales growth, gross margins, operating expenses and financial sustainability.
- Lead strategic pricing, contract negotiation and commercial decision-making for major customers and projects.
- Develop and strengthen strategic relationships with key customers, international manufacturers, principals and business partners.
- Build long-term supplier strategies to improve product availability, commercial competitiveness and supply security.
- Lead major customer tenders, framework agreements and strategic supply contracts.
- Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, customer requirements and market developments to identify emerging business opportunities and risks.
- Develop strategies to strengthen Chemlex's position within industrial, manufacturing, marine and other key market sectors.
- Review and optimise the company's supply chain, procurement and inventory strategies to improve cost efficiency and working capital management.
- Establish commercial and operational policies, performance standards and management processes to support scalable business growth.
- Drive organisational improvement initiatives, including digitalisation, productivity enhancement and process optimisation.
- Lead and develop the management and operational teams, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.
- Build organisational capabilities through recruitment, training, succession planning and employee development.
- Ensure the company's commercial and operational activities comply with applicable safety, quality, environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and manage key business risks relating to customers, suppliers, pricing, inventory, credit exposure and supply continuity.
- Prepare management reports, business forecasts and strategic recommendations for the Directors.
- Represent the company in high-level discussions with key customers, suppliers, industry stakeholders and strategic partners.
Requirements
- Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related discipline.
- Significant management experience within chemical distribution, specialty chemicals, manufacturing, industrial products or a related B2B sector.
- Proven experience in business strategy, commercial management, market development and organisational leadership.
- Strong understanding of P&L management, pricing strategy, budgeting and commercial risk.
- Demonstrated ability to develop new markets, customers, products and strategic partnerships.
- Strong experience in managing senior-level relationships with customers, suppliers and international principals.
- Excellent negotiation, commercial analysis and decision-making capabilities.
- Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
- Ability to balance long-term strategic objectives with commercial and operational priorities.
- Strong analytical, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience with chemical supply chains, industrial logistics, international sourcing or regulatory compliance would be an advantage.
Preferred Experience
Candidates with relevant experience in chemical raw material distribution, specialty chemical manufacturing, industrial or marine chemical supply, international sourcing, strategic account management, major tenders, supplier development, bulk chemical logistics or regional business development will have an advantage.
Role Objective
The General Manager will play a key role in shaping Chemlex's future growth by strengthening the company's market position, developing new revenue opportunities, improving profitability and building a scalable and sustainable business platform for long-term expansion.
