Job Advertisement Sales Manager / Growth Lead – pulp and paper chemicals Home-based role with travel across major mill sites Chemical solutions focus with scope to shape market entry Location: Sydney or Melbourne preferred RETAINED SEARCH / EXCLUSIVE LISTING About our client Our client is a global chemical business focused on water chemistry and water-soluble polymers. It operates direct sales offices in 50 countries, has 21 production sites across Europe, Asia, Australia, and America, and reports production capacity of 1,465,000 tonnes. In Australia, it has a manufacturing facility in Lara, Victoria, supported by local technical capability and supply chain infrastructure. Its pulp and paper business combines process chemicals, machine-side support, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting for mills seeking operating gains and application outcomes. The business is now moving from a distributor-led model to a direct market approach in pulp and paper across Australia and New Zealand. That shift creates a clear opening for a commercial and technical leader to build share, strengthen mill relationships, and help set the next phase of market presence. For the successful candidate, this means scope to influence go-to-market activity, work closely with senior leadership, and play a central role in a growth plan tied to service, volume, and competitiveness. About the opportunity This is a home-based leadership role with national responsibility for building direct sales activity in the pulp and paper sector. You will combine business development, technical problem-solving, and team leadership to grow market presence across key mills in NSW, VIC, QLD, and New Zealand. In the first 12 to 24 months, the role will require strong field presence, frequent site engagement, and time on the machine to win trust, run trials, and convert opportunities into volume growth. Over a three to five-year period, the role offers scope to build a team, broaden market reach, and contribute to regional growth activity. In this role, you will: Win new mill contracts and expand product use on existing machines Build relationships across mill operations, technical teams, and procurement Run trials, testing, and reviews to support commercial outcomes Lead national sales planning, pricing, forecasts, and budgets Coach and develop a growing sales and technical team To meet these objectives, you will spend significant time on customer sites, diagnose process issues such as stickies and pitch problems, review pulp samples and lab findings, and work with internal technical teams to align solutions with customer needs. You will also set KPIs, support performance reviews, and help build a customer-focused and safety-led team culture. About you We are looking for a candidate with a strong track record in pulp and paper and the ability to combine technical depth with commercial delivery. You will be comfortable leading from the front, spending time at customer sites, and building relationships that support long-term account growth. You will also bring the judgment to balance business development, account management, pricing, and team leadership in a competitive market. To be successful in this role, you will ideally have: Tertiary qualifications in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Paper Engineering, or a related discipline, or relevant industry experience in lieu of formal qualifications Background in pulp and paper, with sound knowledge of papermaking processes, machine performance, and mill operations B2B sales leadership experience in chemicals, process manufacturing, or paper-related technical sales Success in winning new business, expanding applications, and growing revenue Experience managing technical, operational, and procurement stakeholders Ability to lead, coach, and develop a growing team Commercial capability across negotiation, pricing, forecasting, and budgeting Capacity to work in a home-based, field-led role with extensive travel You must have working rights aligned with long-term employment in Australia. A medical assessment and drug and alcohol testing may form part of the employment process. What’s on offer This role offers the chance to take ownership of a new phase of market development within an established global business. You will have the backing of an international group, local operating capability, and access to technical resources, while also having room to shape market strategy in Australia and New Zealand. For someone who values autonomy, field engagement, and measurable commercial impact, the position provides a clear platform to build results from the ground up. The role also brings variety across customer engagement, technical work, leadership, and strategy. You will work directly with senior leadership, contribute to decisions on growth and pricing, and help build a team structure over time. While the organisation has a flat structure, the role offers horizontal growth through broader market exposure, cross-functional work, and possible international connections. It will suit someone motivated by building a business segment, strengthening mill partnerships, and seeing the commercial result of hands-on work in the field. How to apply Submit your CV outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Applications are welcome from candidates based locally or interstate. Your application will be handled according to our privacy policy: https://11recruitment.com.au/privacy-policy. Please note This is a permanent role, and applicants must have working rights that align with long-term employment requirements in Australia. Sponsorship will not be provided. Code/Keywords ^^^ “National account lead”, “Market development lead”, “Commercial lead”, “Technical account lead”, “Business unit lead”, “Regional growth lead”, “Key client lead”, “Mill solutions lead”, “Process chemicals lead”, “Industry development lead”, “Customer solutions lead”, “Commercial operations lead”, “Applications lead”, “Territory lead”, “Strategic accounts lead”