Sales and Marketing Director

The Sales and Marketing Director – APAC will lead all sales, marketing, product management, and operational functions across multiple countries in the Asia-Pacific region. This role is responsible for delivering profitable growth, driving digital and supply chain excellence, engaging customers strategically, and fostering high-performance regional teams. The Director will be a key driver to align APAC market strategies with global vision while addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in each country.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Develop and implement integrated sales and marketing strategies tailored to the diverse APAC markets, aligned with global growth objectives.

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Supply Chain, and Operations throughout the region.

• Champion 4.0 digital initiatives, enhancing sales effectiveness and customer engagement across APAC through digital selling and data-driven tools.

• Drive change management and cultivate a culture of continuous innovation, accountability, and operational excellence.

Sales Leadership & Customer Management

• Set, communicate, and monitor clear sales targets and KPIs aligned with regional business plans. • Build, lead, and motivate a high-performing sales organization across APAC; recruit and develop top talent.

• Drive sales pipeline management and ensure accurate forecasting and opportunity conversion.

• Develop and implement key account strategies and nurture strong, long-term customer, supplier, and regulatory relationships across markets.

• Collaborate with commercial teams and marketing to design effective go-to-market strategies and promotional plans.

• Ensure sales compliance with pricing, contracts, and internal governance.

Marketing Strategy & Product Management

• Lead development and execution of marketing plans with a focus on core specialty chemical segments including Paper, Water, and Leather.

• Oversee the management of the product portfolio tailored to different country needs and priorities across APAC.

• Drive new product introductions by collaborating with R&D and commercial stakeholders, managing phases including concept approval, launch packages, and market adoption.

• Manage pricing strategies and materials to support value-based selling and competitive positioning.

• Organize participation in marketing events, seminars, and conferences to enhance market presence and demand creation.

• Lead market intelligence initiatives gathering actionable insights from competitive analysis, customer feedback (Voice of Customer), and regional data.

Technical Leadership

• Provide oversight ensuring robust technical support to customers and internal teams for growth and attrition prevention in prioritized segments.

• Deploy technical and product management resources effectively to meet regional customer and internal needs.

• Lead bids, tenders, and contract negotiations together with sales and commercial teams, ensuring customer satisfaction and business profitability.

Financial & Operational Excellence

• Develop, monitor, and manage regional financial plans, budgets, and key performance metrics to ensure profitability and resource optimization.

• Initiate and lead supply chain optimization projects to reduce costs and improve delivery efficiencies across the APAC network.

• Ensure compliance with Code of Ethics, safety, environmental standards, and all applicable local regulations.

• Lead the digital strategy execution ensuring alignment of sales and operations outcomes with APAC business objectives.

Talent Development & Governance

• Build and develop cross-regional leadership and functional teams, focusing on succession planning, coaching, and continuous capability building.

• Promote a safe and ethical work environment consistent with values and operational standards.

• Ensure sound governance, risk management, and compliance with internal and external audit requirements regionally.

Success Metrics

• Achievement of revenue, gross profit, and market share growth targets across APAC

• Customer penetration, retention and satisfaction scores

• Sales pipeline health and conversion rates

• Supply chain cost reduction and efficiency gains

• Workforce productivity and talent development progress

• Digital sales penetration and digital engagement metrics

• Safety performance and compliance adherence across markets

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Business, Chemistry or related field; MBA preferred

• 15- 20 years of progressive leadership experience in sales, marketing, and operations in specialty chemicals or related industries, with demonstrated regional or multi country experience in APAC

• Proven record of driving sales growth, marketing impact, successful product launches, and supply chain efficiencies in complex diverse markets

• Strong financial acumen related to budgeting, forecasting, performance monitoring, and profitability management

• Expertise in digital transformation, customer engagement, and data-driven decision making

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with demonstrated ability to build and inspire high-performing cross-cultural teams

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Willingness to travel extensively across the APAC region

Desired Personality Traits

• Strategic visionary with a relentless focus on growth and operational excellence

• Adaptable and culturally savvy leader passionate about diversity and regional team development • Customer-obsessed with integrity, professionalism, and commitment to safety and sustainability • Innovative problem solver and continuous learner with strong business insight.