Sales Specialist

Title: Sales Specialist Location: Houston, TXWho We AreVoted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 32 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.Why KurarayKuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.Position SummaryThe Sales Specialist supports revenue growth across an assigned territory by assisting with customer development, sales execution, and account management activities. This role supports the EVAL business,serving customers across end-use industries such as packaging (including food and pharmaceutical), automotive, and other specialty industrial applications where high barrier performance and technical collaboration are important.Working closely with senior sales team members, technical teams, and internal partners, the Sales Specialist develops foundational knowledge of products, markets, and customers while contributing to sales initiatives, customer engagement, and pipeline development. This role requires extensive travel (50%+) to maintain customer engagement, support business development, and represent the company at industry events.ResponsibilitiesCustomer Development & ProspectingDevelop and execute customer contact plans aligned with product launches and relevant sales campaignsServe as the primary point of contact for customer inquiries and complaints; resolve issues directly or escalate complex matters to the appropriate resourcesBuild new customer relationships and expand market reach through targeted outreach effortsSales ExecutionEstablish clear objectives for each sales call or customer meetingDeliver presentations using standard materials; ask targeted questions to assess customer interest and identify information needsMatch standard products and services to customer requirements, including appropriate quantities and configurationsPresent solutions with clear rationale within standard commercial terms; escalate requests for concessions to senior colleagues as neededCustomer Relationship ManagementLog customer interactions and follow-up actions in the CRM system promptly after each contactMaintain active call plans to support customer retention and ongoing business developmentCollaborate with internal colleagues to strengthen external customer relationships and meet customer needsAccount DevelopmentBuild and maintain a professional network within the assigned sales accountsRepresent the organization at trade shows and industry events to identify opportunities, promote products, and support brand reputationData Analytics & ReportingBuild and maintain interactive Power BI dashboards; connect to SAP and Excel data sourcesTranslate raw data into actionable insights and identify meaningful trendsGather reporting requirements from stakeholders and communicate findings clearly to non-technical audiencesProactively identify and resolve data inaccuracies and report performance issuesCoordinate with external data management vendors for import records and market statisticsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Engineering /Science, Business, or a related fieldMinimum of 1 year of sales experience, preferably in the chemical industryDemonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding sales targetsStrong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skillsProficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office SuiteProficiency in Power BI, including dashboard development and data modelingSolid problem-solving and decision-making capabilitiesAbility to manage competing priorities effectivelyWillingness to travel 50%+ of the timeValid driver's license requiredCompetencies Customer FocusBuilding strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.Business InsightApplying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.Cultivates InnovationCreating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Action OrientedTaking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.Ensures AccountabilityHolding self and others accountable to meet commitments.Drives ResultsConsistently achieving results, even under tough circumstanceCollaboratesBuilding partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.Values DifferenceRecognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organizationCommunicates EffectivelyDeveloping and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.CourageStepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.Instills TrustGaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.Situational AdaptabilityAdapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran statusNo third-party candidates accepted.