Director of Sales - Energy

Location

In or around the Permian

Position

Director of Sales - Energy

About Solugen

At Solugen, we believe planet-scale change starts with the chemistry we use every day. So, we’ve built the world’s first carbon negative molecule factory. Fusing biology with chemistry and technology to make the materials we need to sustain life on Earth. Solugen, Inc. is a revolutionary product and technology company using biology to transform the chemicals industry. Solugen was founded in 2016 and is a post-Series D venture-backed biotechnology company supported by renowned venture capital firms including Founders Fund, FiftyYears, Refactor, Y Combinator, Temasek, GIC, Baillie-Gifford, Lowercarbon Capital, and Kennivik. Located in Houston, Texas, Solugen has recently started-up a first-of-its-kind carbon-negative manufacturing facility - The Bioforge TM - that uses a novel chemienzymatic technology to manufacture bio-based chemistries for a wide range of applications including water treatment, agriculture, HI&I, personal care, energy, and other applications. Solugen currently has 230+ full time employees.

Mission

Solugen’s mission is to decarbonize chemicals manufacturing. As a first step, Solugen has commissioned BioForge I with a nameplate manufacturing capacity of 10,000 tpy and the potential to offset up to 37,000 tpy of carbon dioxide equivalents. BioForge 2 construction is underway with a mid-2025 commission date target in Marshall, MN and presents an opportunity to build a once in a lifetime business portfolio.

The mission of this role is to expand Solugen’s Sales presence in Energy markets in the Permian.

In addition to face-to-face meetings, this role will engage with customers over the phone and Internet (e.g., chat, email, video conferencing, etc.) to close sales and support clients. The role will also respond to client inquiries and offer guidance on appropriate products and services.

As an experienced sales executive with a track record of success, this role will execute sales strategy, and identify opportunities to increase sales volume while ensuring service levels are met. A creative and growth mindset is key for success in this role.

This role will serve as an authority within the Energy chemicals industry field and should demonstrates mastery of sales techniques. The successful candidate will help Solugen build its presence in the Permian with energy customers. They should have a highly visible industry presence. Travel for customer calls and trade shows for this role are essential.

Key Outcomes

• Grow Solugen’s presence in the Permian with solutions for energy applications.
• Increase momentum with tier 1 strategic accounts and develop new business with tier 2 and 3 accounts

Responsibilities

• As a Director of Sales for Energy - Permian, you will be responsible for expanding the company's market presence, identifying new business opportunities, and cultivating relationships with potential clients.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and open doors to enable sales of Solugen’s product portfolio.
• Create your own opportunities by maximizing customer interactions and having a creative mindset
• Find unmet needs and pain points in the market and bring to Solugen’s technical team to develop solutions.
• Utilize Solugen’s distribution capabilities to gain access to strategic customers

Key Competencies

• Always acts with integrity and honesty to customers, colleagues and other stakeholders
• Sets ambitiously high sales goals and works to execute on them
• Good communication, negotiation, and project management skills with the desire to further develop these skills as the company grows
• Some technical and ability to understand applications is necessary, working with Solugen’s internal strong technical and product development support team.
• Ask a lot of questions, be curious, and have insights into your work
• Be extremely nimble and flexible, embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
• Ability to self-manage and set your own priorities and schedule
• Respect for others
• Creative problem solving
• Willingness to learn, grow, and adapt
• Positive Attitude

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proven track record (7+ years) in chemicals sales, business development, or related roles, preferably within the chemical manufacturing or distribution industry
• Strong understanding of chemical products, market dynamics, and customer needs in the energy industry
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence key stakeholders
• Strategic thinking, analytical mindset, and ability to drive initiatives independently without clear direction
• Proven ability to meet and exceed sales targets and objectives
• Willingness to travel as needed

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.