Strategic Account Manager | North America Life Sciences

Ashland has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Account Manager to join our North America Life Sciences business (remote). This is a very visible, significant role within the Company and the Life Sciences function. This position will report to the General Manager of the North America Life Sciences.

The responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Working knowledge of the pharmaceutical and excipient markets, including formulation technologies, manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and emerging industry trends.
• Hands-on experience using CRM platforms, account planning tools, commercial analytics, and market intelligence to identify growth opportunities and develop strategic customer plans.
• Partner with a talented cross-functional team spanning Commercial, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Regulatory, and Marketing, working together to solve customer challenges and accelerate growth.
• Bring your ideas to the table. We value entrepreneurial thinking, innovation, and a CEO mindset. You'll be empowered to challenge the status quo, create new opportunities, and help shape the future of our business.
• Own your business. You'll lead strategic customer relationships, develop long-term growth strategies, and serve as a trusted advisor to some of the most innovative companies in the life sciences industry.
• Travel Responsibilities. You'll spend up to 50% of your time traveling to customer sites, industry events, and Ashland locations to deepen partnerships, uncover opportunities, and collaborate with colleagues across North America
• Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals and focusing on performance and safety
• Improve the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others

In order to be qualified for this role, you must possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
• 7+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, excipient, biotech, CDMO, or broader life sciences industry, with a demonstrated track record of commercial success.
• 3+ years of experience managing strategic accounts, key customer relationships, business development initiatives, or commercial growth programs.
• Strong business acumen, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers, navigate complex organizations, and drive profitable growth.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 50% throughout North America to customer sites, industry events, and Ashland locations.Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times
• The ability to help the company drive greater value through understanding the business, making complex decisions and creating the new and different

The following skill sets are preferred by the business unit:

• Advanced degree preferred, such as an MBA, M.S., or Ph.D. in Business, Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with injectable drug products and parenteral formulations.
• Experience working in a global, matrixed organization, partnering with cross-functional teams across Commercial, R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Regulatory, and Marketing.