Head of Specialities

Handley James Chemical are excited to be engaged as the search partner to a family owned, billion turnover chemical business with both distribution and manufacturing capabilities. With over 60 years in chemical distribution market, they serve as an interface between chemical manufacturers and the chemical processing industry.   Providing a full service along the supply chain, including procurement, product development, individual mixing, logistics and manufacturing. Following exciting growth and the creation of a number of key roles, we are currently recruiting for a Head of Specialities, who will support the continued growth of the business.   As the Head of Specialties you will lead and grow the Specialties segment of the business by overseeing both sales and purchasing activities across CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers), Personal Care, and HI&I (Household, Industrial & Institutional) markets. This role is accountable for developing supplier partnerships, driving revenue growth, managing a high-performing team, and delivering strategic commercial targets.   Key Responsibilities:  

• Define and execute the commercial strategy for the Specialties portfolio across CASE, Personal Care, and HI&I sectors.
• Own the P&L for the Specialties division, ensuring growth in revenue, margin, and market share.
• Drive key account management and new business development efforts.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer needs to identify growth opportunities.
• Set pricing strategies in line with margin objectives and market conditions.
• Manage and expand relationships with existing principals and specialty chemical manufacturers.
• Identify and onboard new suppliers to broaden the product portfolio.
• Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and supply agreements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of sales managers, product managers, and buyers.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear objectives and accountability.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts with logistics, regulatory, finance, and customer service teams.

  Required experience:   Essential:

• Proven leadership experience in specialties or performance chemicals within distribution or manufacturing.
• Strong commercial acumen across both sales and procurement.
• Knowledge of at least two of the following markets: CASE, Personal Care, HI&I (Desirable)
• Track record of driving profitable growth and managing supplier relationships.
• Experience overseeing P&L and commercial strategy.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

  Desirable:

• Experience working within a UK/European chemical distributor.
• Familiarity with REACH, CLP, ESG and regulatory frameworks.

  This role will suit an experienced leader, someone who knows how to coach and develop existing teams and is a visible individual – someone who will travel to meet with their team, customers, suppliers etc. You will be instrumental in shaping how the specialities division grows, works and what the future of the team looks like.   This is an exceptional opportunity to join a global business, who are experiencing exciting growth allowing you genuine autonomy and the chance to shape not only your role but the division within the business for the future.   This role is a remote position with expected travel domestically and internationally. They have various offices/locations throughout the UK but ideally someone already located in the South of the UK would be advantageous.   In return our client is offering c£100,000 - £120,000pa base salary, bonus and benefits.   *Please kindly note, whilst we endeavour to respond to all candidate applications, due to the very high response rate across our various advertising campaigns, we may only be able to reply to candidates who match the position, thank you.   About us:   Handley James Chemical are a UK based, international Search business, we pride ourselves on a personable and process driven approach ensuring the very best levels of service. As acknowledged specialists in a number of disciplines, we support the Chemical and associated industries by providing a truly consultative service to our clients and candidates alike. www.handleyjames.co.uk