Sales Director- Material Protection

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection.
With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Sales Director to lead and grow our Metalworking Fluids (MWF) business across globally. This role requires deep industry expertise in metalworking fluids, metal processing, and industrial manufacturing, combined with strong leadership capabilities and strategic execution skills.

The Sales Director will be responsible for setting and executing the commercial strategy for the MWF segment, leading key customer relationships, driving profitable growth, and partnering cross functionally to deliver differentiated solutions to customers across machining, forming, and industrial metalworking applications.

Essential Job Functions
Lead execution of the commercial strategy for the Metalworking Fluids portfolio, delivering revenue, volume, and margin growth across assigned accounts and regions
Build and deepen strategic customer partnerships, leading business reviews, joint value creation initiatives, and long‑term account plans
Identify and convert growth opportunities across new applications, sites, and emerging customer needs, supported by a robust and disciplined sales pipeline
Lead, coach, and develop a team of sales and account management professionals supporting the MWF business.
Drive value‑based pricing and margin management, supporting negotiations and annual pricing actions with clarity and confidence
Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure excellent execution of trials, validations, scale‑ups, and customer issue resolution
Translate technical performance needs—such as corrosion protection, lubricity, tool life, and sustainability—into compelling customer value propositions
Represent Arxada with credibility at key customer engagements and selected industry events

Qualifications & Experience

10+ years of progressive commercial experience in metalworking fluids, industrial lubricants, specialty chemicals, or metal processing industries.
Proven success managing strategic accounts and complex negotiations while delivering profitable growth
Strong understanding of metalworking and machining environments, including customer processes and performance requirements
Ability to connect technical concepts with clear business value for customers and internal stakeholders
Confident communicator and collaborator, able to lead through influence in a global, matrix environment
Experience working with CRM tools and maintaining strong forecasting discipline
Willingness to travel internationally as required to support customers and business priorities

The expected salary range for this role is 140K $-171 K $, but specific employee compensation may vary depending on factors including experience, education, training, licensure, certification, location and other job-related, non-discriminatory factors permitted by law.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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