Commercial Manager Industrial Applications – CASE & Process Water

Who are we?

SOLEVO is a leading distributor of chemicals and inputs for specific industrial and agricultural segments in Africa. SOLEVO assists African farmers and Industries succeed by providing them with a full range of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and industrial chemicals they need with a guaranteed quality and good value. With over 75 years at the frontier of economic growth and transformation across Africa, we deliver critical raw materials and expertise to the continent's high GDP-contributing life sciences and industrials sectors. Xtreme Blue is a Solevo group company.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Commercial Manager – Industrial Applications (CASE & Process Water) to join our team based in Cairo. He/she will report to the Managing Director of XtremeBlue, with a functional link to the Business Line Director Chemicals, and will supervise the Business Unit Manager – Industrial Solutions and the Business Unit Manager – Water Treatment.

What do we expect from the candidate?

The candidate will be responsible for driving the overall commercial performance of the Industrial Applications Business Unit (CASE & Process Water) — developing the business strategy, leading the sales and technical teams, expanding market share, strengthening supplier relationships, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth. The role carries full commercial responsibility for sales, gross margin, pipeline development, forecasting, customer development and execution excellence across both the Process Water and CASE businesses.

The key responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the commercial strategy for the Industrial Applications Business Unit (CASE & Process Water)
• Deliver annual sales, gross profit and profitability targets
• Own the business P&L performance
• Develop annual business plans and growth strategies
• Identify new growth opportunities, industries and applications
• Drive CFR business opportunities

Sales Management

• Lead, coach and develop the sales engineers and account managers
• Set individual sales targets and KPIs
• Conduct regular pipeline review meetings
• Monitor quotations, opportunities, customer visits and conversion rates
• Drive new customer acquisition and increase share of wallet within existing accounts
• Ensure execution excellence across the sales organization
• Build long-term partnerships with strategic customers

Supplier Management

• Develop strong relationships with strategic suppliers
• Prepare annual supplier growth plans
• Conduct regular business reviews with suppliers
• Manage supplier visits, seminars and technical workshops

Product Portfolio & Pricing Management

• Review the product portfolio regularly and build supplier push lists
• Optimize product mix toward higher-margin specialties
• Prepare accurate monthly sales forecasts and monitor stock availability
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to ensure product availability
• Develop pricing strategy; protect gross margins by monitoring profitability by customer, product and supplier
• Drive value selling instead of price competition

Customer Management

• Build relationships with key decision makers at strategic accounts
• Develop strategic account plans
• Increase customer satisfaction and retention
• Oversee tenders, proposals and contract negotiations
• Ensure collection performance and credit compliance

Team Leadership

• Recruit, coach and develop team members
• Conduct performance reviews; build a high-performance culture
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Finance and Operations

Reporting & Business Monitoring

• Monitor market trends and competitor activities
• Prepare Monthly Business Review, Sales Forecast, Pipeline Report, Budget vs Actual Analysis, Supplier Performance Review, Customer Performance Review and Business Development Progress reports
• Report on KPIs, Sales Revenue, Gross Margin and EBITDA

If you possess…

Must-Have

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Marketing or a related field
• 7+ years of relevant commercial/sales management experience, ideally within the industrial chemicals, CASE, or water treatment sectors
• Proven track record of P&L ownership and sales team leadership
• Good knowledge of the CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers) and Process/Industrial Water Treatment markets
• Strong understanding of pricing strategy, product portfolio management and value selling
• Knowledge of supplier and distributor management practices

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with tender and contract negotiation processes
• Exposure to CRM or ERP systems used for pipeline and sales tracking

If you are…

• Able to develop and execute commercial strategy and business plans
• A strong leader with the ability to coach and develop sales and technical teams
• Skilled in negotiation with suppliers and customers
• Comfortable managing P&L, forecasting and budgeting processes
• Analytical, with strong skills to monitor profitability by customer, product and supplier
• Customer oriented, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Strategic and results-driven, with the ability to carry and defend a project in front of the group's management

• Why join Solevo?
• Join a young dynamic team who is leading the chemical distribution on the African continent.
• Enjoy a collaborative, international and agile work environment.
• Be part of a team where freedom, initiative and 'thinking out of the box' is key.
• Opportunity to work in a growing versatile environment.
• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits package.
• Explore opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Then, this job is for you!
• How to join us?
• If you're excited about this position, we encourage you to submit your resume detailing your relevant experience and be part of our exciting journey.
• What's next?
• If your profile matches our search, you will be contacted by our HR team for a first contact.
• Please be informed that we will keep your profile to contact you for future professional opportunities.