Strategic Distribution Manager

Job Description:

Strategic Distribution Manager

Huntsman is seeking a Strategic Distribution Manager supporting the Polyurethanes Division located in The Woodlands, TX. This position will report to the Commercial Director, Polyurethanes Americas.

Job Scope
The Distribution Account Manager is a critical commercial role responsible for developing, managing, and growing Huntsman's distribution channel across the Polyurethanes business. This position oversees strategic distributor relationships, drives profitable growth through channel partners, and ensures alignment between Huntsman's commercial objectives and distributor execution. The role serves as the primary business interface between Huntsman and distributor leadership teams, providing direction on growth initiatives, portfolio expansion, forecasting, pricing implementation, and market development activities. The Distribution Account Manager will lead and manage distribution business plans, manage some accounts that could be shifted to distribution in the future, identify growth opportunities, and ensure operational excellence across the distribution network.

In summary, as the Strategic Distribution Manager, you will:

• Develop and execute short- and long-term distribution growth strategies aligned with Polyurethanes business objectives.
• Manage several smaller direct accounts that could be moved to distribution in the future.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with existing distribution partners throughout North America.
• Drive profitable sales growth through effective channel management and portfolio expansion.
• Monitor distributor performance against volume, margin, inventory, forecasting, and service KPIs.
• Ensure consistent execution of distribution agreements, commercial programs, and contractual obligations.
• Lead annual business reviews and strategic planning sessions with distribution partners.
• Develop accurate monthly volume and revenue forecasts to support business planning and financial objectives.
• Coordinate pricing implementation and monitor pricing compliance across channel partners.
• Identify market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and emerging growth opportunities.
• Support onboarding, evaluation, and development of new distribution partnerships where strategically justified.
• Collaborate closely with direct sales teams to ensure channel alignment and accounts that need to be moved from direct to a distribution partner.
• Drive accountability and execution excellence across distribution partners and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications
You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

The candidate must have an unrestricted right to work for Huntsman in the United States.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 8-10 years of commercial experience in chemicals, polyurethanes, industrial materials, specialty chemicals, or related markets.
• Demonstrated experience managing distributor relationships, channel partners, or indirect sales organizations.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing revenue, profitability, margins, and business plans.
• Proven success managing distributors, channel partners, or key accounts in B2B markets.
• Experience developing and executing growth strategies through indirect sales channels.
• Strong negotiation, relationship management, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex business issues across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in forecasting, inventory management, pricing execution, and demand planning.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across sales, marketing, technical, finance, and supply chain functions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial experience in polyurethanes, polyurethane systems, CASE, composites, elastomers, adhesives, coatings, construction, or related markets.
• Experience managing national distribution agreements and strategic channel partnerships.
• Knowledge of polyurethane value chains, applications, and key market segments.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and business development projects.

Working Environment

• Willingness to travel (15%).
• Ability to travel throughout North America for distributor, customer, and industry engagement activities.

Additional Locations: