Category Head Oleochemicals & Lubricants

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and commercially driven Category Head – Oleochemicals & Lubricants to build and scale our Oleochemicals and Lubricants business globally. The role will be responsible for category growth, strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, customer acquisition, revenue growth, and P&L management.

The ideal candidate should possess deep industry expertise in oleochemicals, lubricant additives, base oils, specialty lubricants, and industrial chemical markets, with a proven track record of driving business growth and managing strategic customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Business Growth & Strategy

• Develop and execute category growth strategy for Oleochemicals and Lubricants.
• Drive revenue, profitability, and market expansion across domestic and international markets.
• Identify high-growth products, market opportunities, and emerging industry trends.
  
  

Category & Portfolio Management

• Build and expand the product portfolio across oleochemicals and lubricant ingredients.
• Identify new principals, manufacturers, and supplier partnerships globally.
• Manage product lifecycle, pricing strategy, positioning, and inventory planning.
  
  

Business Development & Customer Acquisition

• Develop relationships with key customers across lubricant manufacturers, industrial users, metalworking fluid companies, grease manufacturers, and specialty chemical formulators.
• Lead strategic customer discussions, negotiations, and commercial agreements.
• Drive new business acquisition and key account growth.
  
  

Supply Chain & Sourcing

• Establish strong partnerships with domestic and international manufacturers.
• Ensure reliable sourcing, cost optimization, and supply continuity.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to improve margins and service levels.
  
  

Leadership & P&L Ownership

• Own category P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability targets.
• Build and mentor a high-performing commercial team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sourcing, operations, quality, regulatory, and finance.
  
  

Preferred Product Experience

Oleochemicals

• Fatty Acids
• Fatty Alcohols
• Esters
• Glycerine
• Distilled Fatty Acids
• Oleic Acid
• Stearic Acid
• Methyl Esters
• Surfactant Intermediates
  
  

Lubricants & Additives

• Base Oils (Group I, II, III)
• Synthetic Base Stocks
• Ester-Based Lubricants
• Industrial Lubricants
• Metalworking Fluids
• Greases
• Antioxidants
• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Viscosity Modifiers
• Anti-wear Additives
• Performance Additives
  
  

Preferred Background

• 10+ years of experience in Oleochemicals, Lubricants, Specialty Chemicals, or Industrial Chemicals.
• Strong commercial experience in category management, business development, sourcing, and product management.
• Demonstrated experience handling strategic supplier and customer relationships.
• Proven track record of revenue generation and P&L ownership.
• Strong understanding of global supply chains and chemical distribution markets.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
  
  

Success Metrics

• Revenue Growth
• Gross Margin Expansion
• New Customer Acquisition
• Strategic Supplier Partnerships
• Portfolio Expansion
• Market Share Growth
• Category Profitability
• Team Development