Latin America Sales Director

Sales Director, Latin America

Hempel is seeking an experienced, results-driven Sales Director – Latin America to lead and grow our Energy & Infrastructure business across the region. This strategic leadership role will focus on driving market share growth by strengthening key customer and distributor relationships, while managing a high-performing regional sales team.

The role is preferably based in Monterrey, Mexico, or Houston, TX, though we are open to candidates from other locations in Latin America. Our North America corporate office is near Houston, in Conroe, where the VP of Energy & Infrastructure—the direct leader for this role—works. You will have responsibility for Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and regional distribution, playing a key role in shaping and executing a sales strategy that drives growth and profitability across the Americas, in alignment with Hempel's global vision. This is a unique opportunity to make a visible impact at a regional and leadership level.

What you need to be successful in this role:

Sales Strategy & Business Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy for Latin America aligned with Americas and global objectives.
• Identify and capture new business opportunities in key segments including Oil & Gas, Wind, Infrastructure, POEM, and Civil Structures.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to optimize pricing and positioning.
• Explore new areas of business, including business development and potential M&A opportunities.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and inspire a regional sales team including country managers and the distribution manager.
• Set clear goals, KPIs, and ensure disciplined use of CRM for performance management.
• Evaluate and monitor sales team performance to drive continuous improvement.

Customer & Distributor Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and strategic partners.
• Represent Hempel at trade shows, conferences, and customer meetings throughout the region.
• Ensure consistent focus on customer satisfaction in collaboration with technical, marketing, and supply chain teams.

Forecasting & Reporting

• Provide accurate sales forecasts, insights, and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Develop, implement, and control annual regional budgets, estimates, and forecasts.
• Understand and plan sales demand, ensuring strong communication across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Chemistry, Marketing, or related field; MBA a plus.
• Minimum 12 years of sales experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role managing teams.
• Proven track record in Chemical, Petrochemical, Equipment, or related industries.
• Industrial Coatings experience and network strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership skills across diverse, multicultural teams.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office, with strong analytical and data-driven decision-making ability.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English and Spanish; Portuguese strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the region (50%+).
• Deep understanding of Latin America's market dynamics, regulations, and customer needs.