Sales Representative - Speciality Chemicals, East Africa

About the role

LANXESS is looking for an experienced speciality chemicals professional to expand its Material Protection Products (MPP) business across East Africa, with a focus on Kenya and Tanzania. This is a remote, customer-facing role where you will sell a portfolio of speciality biocides and preservatives used in Home & Personal Care, Paints & Coatings, Industrial Preservation, Water Treatment, Food & Beverage and other industrial applications. You will work with regional and global colleagues to turn market potential into growth strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and develop new sales opportunities with multinational companies, regional manufacturers and distribution partners.
• Collaborate with the Sales Leader to develop and execute country growth strategies.
• Build and manage relationships with key customers, distributors and industry stakeholders.
• Strengthen existing accounts through product qualification, pricing management and contract negotiations.
• Manage distributor relationships and improve market coverage and penetration.
• Coordinate with technical and regulatory teams on product introductions and customer qualification.
• Support product registrations, import requirements and compliance with Regulatory Affairs and local partners.
• Monitor competitors, industry trends and regulatory changes.
• Maintain customer visits, sales pipelines and market intelligence in CRM systems and support demand forecasting.
• Represent LANXESS at industry associations, authorities, conferences and trade exhibitions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology or a related scientific discipline.
• At least 3 years each in sales, in the chemical industry and in business development (overlap allowed).
• Proven technical sales, business development or account management experience in the chemical industry.
• Demonstrated experience developing distributor networks and building customer relationships.
• Good knowledge of East African markets, especially Kenya and Tanzania.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• Must already reside in Kenya or Tanzania and hold the right to live and work there without employer sponsorship.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of speciality chemicals and their industrial applications.
• Communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with regional and global teams.

What we offer

• Remote work from Kenya or Tanzania with autonomy over your territory.
• International collaboration with regional and global colleagues.
• Initial one-year fixed-term contract via an external agency, with possible extension to two years.