Ascensus Specialties is seeking a Head of Technical Sales, Synthetic Chemistries (Semiconductor, Battery, Energy Transition) is a dynamic and results-driven role responsible for business development and revenue growth through deep technical and commercial engagement, strategic partnership development, meticulous account management and comprehensive market analysis. This hybrid role on the Commercial team requires proven experience in driving new business initiatives, expertly managing key client relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of commercial agreements.
As a vital link between our internal innovation and the evolving energy transition landscape, you will cultivate long-term partnerships and deliver novel solutions that provide exceptional value to our customers. By bridging the gap between technical capability and market need, you will play a pivotal role in accelerating long-term business growth for the organization.
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Travel: 25% – 50% as needed to support customer engagement, site coordination, and industry conferences.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
Strategic Partnership Development
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Identify and execute: Target and pursue strategic collaborations within the electronics and energy transition sectors, with a specific focus on semiconductor, battery, and alternative energy markets.
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Create value: Leverage Ascensus Specialties’ resources to architect mutually beneficial partnerships that drive innovation and solve complex client challenges.
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Cross-functional leadership: Partner with R&D, Operations, and Product Marketing to transition new products from concept to market, ensuring seamless alignment during rapid demand ramps.
Market Analysis & Opportunity Assessment
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Strategic alignment: Evaluate client needs and competitive landscapes to ensure new business initiatives align with long-term corporate objectives.
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Intelligence gathering: Regularly assess emerging market trends and conditions to provide actionable insights for executive decision-making.
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Synthesize market needs: Collaborate with internal marketing and product management teams to ensure our product roadmap evolves alongside customer requirements and industry shifts.
Commercial Negotiation & Execution
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Lead complex negotiations: Manage the full lifecycle of commercial agreements—including sales contracts, supply agreements, and co-development projects—ensuring favorable pricing models and adherence to industry standards.
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Structure sound agreements: Coordinate with Legal and Finance to develop contracts that are both operationally feasible and financially optimized.
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Ensure performance: Oversee commercial execution to ensure all contract terms are met, performance metrics are achieved, and business expectations are exceeded.
Account Management
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Relationship excellence: Cultivate high-level, long-term relationships with key strategic accounts, serving as the primary commercial advocate to ensure loyalty and satisfaction.
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Operational oversight: Oversee account health by ensuring accurate forecasting and efficient inventory management to meet budgetary and operational goals.
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Issue resolution: Act as the escalation point for customer concerns, working across internal departments to resolve issues promptly while maintaining a focus on long-term retention.
Sales Performance & Reporting
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Performance transparency: Provide comprehensive reports on account status, pipeline growth, and sales forecasts, highlighting both successes and strategic challenges.
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Data-driven growth: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify growth trends and areas for commercial optimization.
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Strategic planning: Collaborate with leadership to set ambitious yet realistic budgets and account strategies that ensure continuous expansion.
Minimum Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Engineering, or related physical sciences degree (advanced degree preferred), or comparable years of industry experience.
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10+ years of experience in business development, account management, or a hybrid of both in the semiconductor, energy transition, or related industries.
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Proven ability to negotiate and execute strategic commercial agreements and partnerships.
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Strong customer relationship management skills with experience in maintaining long-term customer satisfaction.
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Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Demonstrated ability to manage complex accounts, projects, and cross-functional collaboration.
Key Skills Required
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Strategic partnership development
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Market analysis and opportunity identification
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Problem-solving and proactive issue resolution
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Account management and customer retention
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Contract negotiation and execution
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Sales performance tracking /forecasting
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Cross-functional team collaboration
Benefits
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Medical, Dental, Vision - effective day one of employment.
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401(k) with company match with immediate vesting - effective first of the month, following date of hire.
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First 3% is matched dollar-for-dollar. Second 3% is matched at 70 cents on the dollar.
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3 Weeks' Vacation.
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12 Paid Holidays.
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Basic Life, AD&D, STD, and LTD provided at no cost to employee.
