The Role
Lead specialty chemical category growth across value chains, including market expansion, customer acquisition, supplier partnerships, sourcing, commercialization, pricing, and profitability. Develop category strategies, evaluate products and markets, manage strategic customers and partners, monitor competitive and regulatory trends, and coordinate with manufacturing, R&D, regulatory, quality, and supply chain teams. Build and mentor teams while scaling new business opportunities and managing P&L performance.
Summary Generated by Built In
We are seeking an entrepreneurial and commercially driven Category Head – Oleochemicals & Lubricants to build and scale our Oleochemicals and Lubricants business globally. The role will be responsible for category growth, strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, customer acquisition, revenue growth, and P&L management.
The ideal candidate should possess deep industry expertise in oleochemicals, lubricant additives, base oils, specialty lubricants, and industrial chemical markets, with a proven track record of driving business growth and managing strategic customer relationships.
- Develop and execute category growth strategy for Oleochemicals and Lubricants.
- Drive revenue, profitability, and market expansion across domestic and international markets.
- Identify high-growth products, market opportunities, and emerging industry trends.
- Build and expand the product portfolio across oleochemicals and lubricant ingredients.
- Identify new principals, manufacturers, and supplier partnerships globally.
- Manage product lifecycle, pricing strategy, positioning, and inventory planning.
- Develop relationships with key customers across lubricant manufacturers, industrial users, metalworking fluid companies, grease manufacturers, and specialty chemical formulators.
- Lead strategic customer discussions, negotiations, and commercial agreements.
- Drive new business acquisition and key account growth.
- Establish strong partnerships with domestic and international manufacturers.
- Ensure reliable sourcing, cost optimization, and supply continuity.
- Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to improve margins and service levels.
- Own category P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability targets.
- Build and mentor a high-performing commercial team.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sourcing, operations, quality, regulatory, and finance.
- Fatty Acids
- Fatty Alcohols
- Esters
- Glycerine
- Distilled Fatty Acids
- Oleic Acid
- Stearic Acid
- Methyl Esters
- Surfactant Intermediates
- Base Oils (Group I, II, III)
- Synthetic Base Stocks
- Ester-Based Lubricants
- Industrial Lubricants
- Metalworking Fluids
- Greases
- Antioxidants
- Corrosion Inhibitors
- Viscosity Modifiers
- Anti-wear Additives
- Performance Additives
- 10+ years of experience in Oleochemicals, Lubricants, Specialty Chemicals, or Industrial Chemicals.
- Strong commercial experience in category management, business development, sourcing, and product management.
- Demonstrated experience handling strategic supplier and customer relationships.
- Proven track record of revenue generation and P&L ownership.
- Strong understanding of global supply chains and chemical distribution markets.
- Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
- Revenue Growth
- Gross Margin Expansion
- New Customer Acquisition
- Strategic Supplier Partnerships
- Portfolio Expansion
- Market Share Growth
- Category Profitability
- Team Development
Skills Required
- 8+ years of experience in specialty chemicals, chemical distribution, chemical manufacturing, or chemical trading
- Strong understanding of chemical value chains, intermediates, derivatives, and end-use applications
- Experience building and growing chemical categories or business units
- Experience in business development, strategic sourcing, and market expansion
- Demonstrated ability to manage P&L responsibilities and deliver profitable growth
- Strong analytical skills in evaluating markets, competitors, and value chains
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship management capabilities
- Ability to identify white-space opportunities and develop scalable business strategies
- Experience across multiple specialty chemical segments
- Background in specialty chemicals, chemical distribution, contract manufacturing, CDMO/CMO, industrial chemicals, agrochemical intermediates, pharmaceutical intermediates, performance chemicals, polymer additives, coatings, CASE, or fine chemicals
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The Company
What We Do
Scimplify is a science-first company specializing in the end-to-end development and manufacturing of specialty chemicals, serving industries such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemicals.
