Head of the Business Unit Chemicals for EMEA & Central Asia (m/w/d)

Do you enjoy working in a team? Are you interested in innovative technologies? Do you want to take on responsibility and make a difference? Then Kuraray offers you the right environment to develop your personality. As a globally active, dynamically growing specialty chemicals company with Japanese roots, we are one of the largest suppliers of polymers and synthetic microfibers and an international leader in the development and application of innovative high-performance materials. At our German site in Hattersheim, Frankfurt, Troisdorf, we want to make the difference with you.What The Job Brings YouAs Head of the Business Unit Chemicals (BUC) for EMEA & Central Asia, you will be responsible for driving performance, profitability, and strategic growth across the region. Your role will include:Defining and executing the business strategy for the Chemicals BU in alignment with divisional objectives, tailored to the EMEA & CA regionLeading and developing a high-performing team, setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvementDriving business development by identifying new opportunities, strategic partnerships, and directly managing key accounts or focus marketsManaging budgets and financial performance, including profitability monitoring, credit management, and internal pricing negotiations to support existing and future product portfoliosOverseeing daily operations, optimizing organizational structures and processes for efficiency and scalabilityMonitoring performance KPIs, reporting regularly to management in Europe and globally, and sharing strategies and results at internal meetingsCollaborating across functions (HR, Finance, Legal, other BUs) and contributing to company-wide initiatives such as Growth 4 Passion, Sustainability, Talent Conferences, and strategic projectsAdapting to dynamic markets, staying informed of industry trends and competitor activities across key sectors such as inks, flavors & fragrances, aroma chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and personal careSupervising marketing activities, including managing the team leader responsible for marketing strategy and implementationWhat You Bring With YouUniversity Master degree required, MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferredIn-depth knowledge of the European chemical industry and its various customer segmentsExperience working in an international and cross-functional environmentProven track record in a senior leadership role (e.g. Business Unit Manager or similar)Strong leadership and team development skills, with a focus on performance and value creationSolid understanding of financial management, business administration, and marketingExcellent strategic thinking and decision-making abilitiesAnalytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilitiesOutstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skillsFluent in English, German is a strong assetWhat We Offer YouWork-life balance and health Hybrid working model with 40 percent remote working per year, activity-based working, flexible working hours, paid business travel times, 30 days holiday, sabbatical option KuraSafe occupational safety programme, occupational health management, occupational medicine and psychosocial counselling, free beveragesPay and social benefits Attractive pay package based on the collective agreement for the German chemical industry, company pension plan and supplementary insurance, nursing care insurance, long-term account, foreign health insurance on business trips, subsidised canteen, parking close to your workplaceProfessional and personal development Intensive onboarding, regular development reviews, extensive opportunities for continuing professional development, digital learning platforms, coaching and mentoring foreign assignments, management and expert career paths, scope for external networkingCulture and collaboration Respectful working environment, modern leadership culture, flat hierarchies, cross-functional and international collaboration, regular employee surveys, company suggestion plan, company eventsYOUR CONTACTKatja Steinacher, HR, responsible for recruiting at our Hattersheim and Frankfurt sites, phone: +49 173 25 39 327.