Business Development Manager - Custom Chemicals & Institutional Cleaning

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 19 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job.  Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.

Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), now part of the Kao family of companies, seeks a highly self-motivated Business Development Manager (BDM) for its Custom Chemical Solutions (CCS) Division.  The BDM is responsible for driving revenue growth and expanding market share within the custom chemical and institutional cleaning industries, with a focus on specialty chemical products and related formulations.  This role will identify new business opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and cultivate long-term relationships while collaborating cross-functionally to deliver tailored solutions.

Science-based. Performance-focused.  WSI is the leading provider of innovative products and services to the commercial laundry processing industry.  Driven by comprehensive technological innovations, WSI delivers powerful advancements in the cleaning, processing, and disinfection of textiles.  Our specialty chemical solutions help protect lives, ensure safe environments, and keep industries moving.  Quite simply, everything we do matters.  Our work touches millions in ways people often never see but always rely on.

While serving North America and Europe, WSI’s global headquarters reside in Ohio.  Additional offices are located across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  Please visit our website for more information: www.washingsystems.com.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES AND TASKS: 

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

1. Develop and execute a strategic business development plan to drive growth in custom chemical solutions for hand care and institutional cleaning markets.
2. Identify, prospect, and secure new customers across key market segments including distribution, healthcare, food service, education, hospitality, and industrial.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, distributors, and industry partners to support long-term growth and retention.
4. Collaborate with R&D, operations, and marketing teams to translate customer needs into customized chemical solutions and compelling value propositions.
5. Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation through contract negotiation and close, including coordination of trials, validations, and implementation support as needed.
6. Analyze market trends, customer requirements, and the competitive landscape to inform growth strategies, portfolio focus, and account prioritization.
7. Grow existing accounts by identifying cross-sell, upsell, and solution expansion opportunities.
8. Maintain accurate sales forecasting, pipeline management, and reporting aligned with business objectives.
9. Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings to strengthen brand presence and industry relationships.
10. Support alignment with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards related to disinfectants, sanitizers, and hand care products.
11. Address escalated customer issues related to product availability, performance, or delivery by coordinating with internal teams to deliver timely resolution.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of business development or sales experience within:
• Custom chemical manufacturing
• Institutional cleaning products
• Hand care, sanitizers, or disinfectants
• Proven success driving revenue growth and securing new business.
• Strong understanding of formulation-based selling and customer-specific solutions.
• Experience working cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and supply chain teams.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Technical aptitude to understand and communicate chemical formulations, applications, and performance criteria.
• Experience using a CRM system to manage leads, opportunities, pipeline, and sales forecasting.

Preferred:

• Established network within institutional cleaning, healthcare, or commercial laundry markets.
• Experience navigating regulatory environments (e.g., EPA, FDA requirements).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
• Ability to travel as needed (50% – 75%).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Corporate working environment.
• Noise level in the Corporate working environment is usually moderate.