Specialty Developments Manager – Paints & Construction at SOLEVO Group

What are we looking for?

• We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Specialty Developments Manager – Paints & Construction to lead the growth of our specialty chemicals portfolio across paints, coatings, construction chemicals, sealants, and related CASE applications. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with business development excellence and is passionate about building strategic supplier and customer partnerships that drive sustainable growth.

What do we expect from the candidate?

• We expect a professional who can identify market opportunities, develop high-value customer relationships, manage supplier partnerships, and convert technical solutions into profitable business opportunities. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to customers and principals while delivering strong commercial results and promoting operational excellence.

The Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Development & Supplier Management

• Develop and expand a differentiated portfolio of specialty chemicals for paints, coatings, construction chemicals, and CASE applications.
• Identify portfolio gaps and introduce new products, suppliers, and market opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals and suppliers.
• Coordinate new product launches, commercialization plans, and technical training programs.

Technical Value Selling & Customer Development

• Engage customer R&D, procurement, production, quality, and management teams.
• Recommend technically sound solutions that address formulation and application challenges.
• Manage product trials, technical support activities, and application development projects.
• Convert technical opportunities into measurable customer and commercial value.

Commercial Performance & Business Growth

• Deliver sales, gross margin, and business development targets.
• Manage pricing strategies, customer profitability, and product mix.
• Maintain a robust sales pipeline through disciplined CRM management.
• Track customer projects and drive conversion of opportunities into revenue growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with supply chain, finance, compliance, customer service, and technical teams.
• Support demand forecasting, inventory planning, and operational efficiency.
• Promote continuous improvement and adoption of company standards and best practices.

If you possess…

• Strong knowledge of specialty raw materials used in paints, coatings, and construction applications.
• A solid understanding of formulation principles and application performance requirements.
• Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen with a focus on profitable growth.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.

Must-Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Industrial Chemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• 7–10 years of relevant experience in specialty chemicals, paints and coatings, construction chemicals, CASE markets, or chemical distribution.
• Proven track record in business development, supplier management, and key account management.
• Experience managing technical-commercial projects and specialty chemical portfolios.
• Strong consultative selling and solution-oriented customer engagement skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, forecasting, pipeline management, and business reporting.

Nice-to-Have…

• Postgraduate qualification in Sales, Business Development, Commercial Management, or a related field.
• Experience working with international suppliers, principals, and manufacturers.
• Exposure to multicultural and fast-growing business environments.
• Experience in West African specialty chemical markets.

If you are…

• Results-oriented and driven by achieving ambitious growth targets.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and solution focused.
• Customer-centric with a passion for creating value.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment.
• An excellent communicator who can build strong relationships across technical and commercial stakeholders.
• Organized, disciplined, and committed to execution excellence.