Material Science Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

The Industry Market Manager (IMM) is primarily responsible for driving the financial performance, strategic growth, and market development of assigned Material Science product categories across North America. The IMM develops and executes category strategies aligned with market needs, supplier capabilities, and Brenntag's growth objectives. This role ensures that the right supplier partnerships, technologies, and product portfolios are in place to support customer innovation and commercial success within key Material Science segments, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, composites, polymers, plastics, construction materials, electronics, and advanced materials.

The IMM is responsible for category management, supplier relationship management, portfolio optimization, sourcing strategies, and gross profit growth. The IMM owns strategic supplier relationships on a national level while providing direction and guidance to Product Management teams supporting regional opportunities.

The IMM conducts business according to Brenntag's Core Values, building trust with suppliers and customers, ensuring safe and compliant business practices, communicating clearly, fostering collaboration, and driving operational and commercial excellence.

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Primary Responsibilities and Tasks

Category Strategy & Market Development

Develop, gain approval for, and execute Material Science category strategies, including sourcing, preferred supplier selection, growth objectives, commercialization plans, and value-added sales approaches

• Develop deep technical and commercial expertise within assigned Material Science categories and applications.
• Monitor industry trends, technology developments, customer requirements, regulatory changes, and competitive activity.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and recommend strategic initiatives to expand Brenntag's market position.
• Evaluate and launch new product lines and technologies that align with market demand and growth strategies.

Supplier Management

• Maintain full responsibility for supplier relationship management, from strategic partnership development to tactical sourcing execution.
• Establish and maintain executive-level relationships with key suppliers.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, innovation pipelines, manufacturing footprint, sustainability initiatives, and competitive positioning.
• Negotiate supply agreements, commercial terms, rebates, pricing programs, growth commitments, and strategic projects with leadership approval.
• Ensure compliance with supplier agreements and category strategies throughout the organization.
• Financial Performance Management
• Drive sales growth, gross profit dollars, margin expansion, and market share within assigned Material Science categories.
• Identify and execute margin optimization opportunities through pricing, sourcing, product positioning, and portfolio management.
• Define and maintain floor pricing, target margins, and pricing strategies for nationally and regionally managed products.
• Ensure pricing data, cost structures, and margin targets are accurately maintained within Salesforce, pricing tools, and ERP systems.
• Monitor business performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve financial objectives.

Commercial Leadership & Sales Support

• Actively support the sales organization by providing product expertise, market intelligence, and commercialization support.
• Partner with Business Development Managers (BDMs), Technical Development Managers (TDMs), Product Managers (PMs), and Sales Teams to drive customer growth.
• Manage and support opportunity pipelines for strategic suppliers and key customers.
• Participate in customer visits, supplier meetings, technical reviews, and joint sales calls.
• Support key account initiatives, customer bids, and strategic growth projects.
• Develop and deliver product training, market updates, and competitive intelligence to sales and commercial teams.
• Publish regular updates regarding supply conditions, market trends, raw material movements, and business opportunities.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Product Management teams to execute efficient inventory strategies.
• Monitor supply availability, supplier performance, inventory levels, and demand forecasts.
• Support risk mitigation strategies related to supply disruptions, raw material shortages, and logistics challenges.
• Drive inventory optimization while maintaining customer service expectations.
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Work closely with sales, technical development, product management, procurement, supply chain, operations, regulatory, and marketing teams.
• Foster open, honest, and collaborative communication across departments and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics that support business objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support sustainability, innovation, and strategic growth initiatives within the Material Science business.

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Other Responsibilities

• Communicate new products, technologies, and market developments to the sales organization through training and commercial updates.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Identify and manage potential supplier, product, or market conflicts while aligning with business strategy.
• Inform commercial teams, supply chain, and pricing teams regarding cost and market changes.
• Maintain pricing accuracy and data integrity within company systems.
• Monitor product costs and continuously optimize gross profit performance.
• Represent Brenntag at industry conferences, trade shows, supplier meetings, and customer events when required.

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Additional Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and CRM systems.
• Strategic business acumen with the ability to analyze complex market conditions and identify growth opportunities.
• Strong understanding of specialty chemicals, raw materials, and Material Science markets.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Strong analytical and financial skills with demonstrated pricing and profitability management capabilities.

Ability to evaluate technology trends and translate technical value propositions into commercial opportunities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage strategic supplier relationships and complex commercial negotiations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain all necessary clearances and approvals as required.

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Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Business, or related technical discipline beneficial.
• Advanced degree (MBA, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field) preferred.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years of experience in specialty chemicals, materials science, distribution, manufacturing, or related industries.
• Strong product and market knowledge of Material Science applications including coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, polymers, composites, plastics, electronics materials, and construction materials.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, category management, business development, or commercial leadership roles.

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Physical Job Requirements for Essential Functions

• Sit up to 80% of the day.
• Type up to 70% of the day.
• Use computer programs up to 80% of the day.
• Use the telephone and virtual communication tools up to 80% of the day.
• Stand up to 50% of the day.
• Walk up to 50% of the day.
• Travel up to 30-40% as required for customer visits, supplier meetings, industry events, and internal business activities.

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Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs.
OUR OFFER
We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential.

• Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.
• Paid parental leave
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Various healthcare plan options as well as 401(k)
  

INTERESTED?
We look forward receiving your application.
Brenntag and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to any category protected by federal, state or local law, including as applicable, applicant's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical condition), genetic information, military service, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable federal, state or local law, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, parental status, expunged juvenile record, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Brenntag will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested. When completing this application, you may exclude information that would disclose or otherwise reference your race, religion, age, sex, genetic, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. This application is considered current for sixty (60) days only. At the end of this period, if you are still interested in employment, it will be necessary for you to reapply by completing a new application.
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