Industrial Sales Director
DELTA FUEL COMPANY INC
Houston, TX
Description
We are seeking an experienced and technically proficient Industrial Sales Director to lead and grow lubricant and fuel sales across industrial sectors, with a strong focus on turnarounds, shutdowns, system flushing, and ongoing plant operations. This role requires a deep understanding of lubrication technologies, industrial processes, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) project cycles.
The Industrial Sales Director will also be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of Industrial Sales Representatives, providing strategic direction, field support, and performance management to drive revenue growth and strengthen customer relationships.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of direct sales to major industrial clients as well as other plant operators and EPC firms across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and manage strategic accounts within industrial markets including oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing.
- Lead and supervise a team of Industrial Sales Representatives, including hiring, coaching, territory planning, and performance evaluations.
- Serve as the primary commercial liaison to major end users and EPC firms including their contractors and procurement teams.
- Provide expertise in lubricant flushing, pre-commissioning clean-outs, maintenance turnaround support, and shutdown project planning.
- Manage lubricant supply planning for EPC projects from design through commissioning, including spec alignment, sourcing, and logistics coordination.
- Work closely with operations and service teams to schedule and deliver high-volume flushes and bulk lubricant applications with minimal downtime.
- Collaborate with OEMs, reliability engineers, and maintenance managers to optimize lubrication programs and ensure fluid cleanliness targets are met.
- Utilize CRM tools to track opportunities, manage pipelines, and report on key performance indicators.
- Lead technical presentations, lunch-and-learns, and training sessions with plant personnel and project teams.
- Maintain deep knowledge of OEM specifications, lubricant performance standards, and compatibility requirements across major brands and applications.
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and technical events.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial) preferred; candidates with equivalent technical backgrounds and extensive industry experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of direct sales experience in industrial lubrication and/or selling to industrial and EPC customers.
- Prior experience leading a sales team or managing direct reports is required.
- Deep understanding of lubricant properties, application engineering, and equipment protection in heavy industrial environments.
- Experience with lubrication flushing services, system cleaning, and supporting plant turnarounds or shutdowns is essential.
- Proven ability to manage complex sales cycles and long-lead-time projects, particularly within EPC frameworks.
- Direct experience working with or selling to major end users and EPC firms.
- Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) designation strongly preferred; MLA/MLT (Machinery Lubrication Analyst/Technician) certification a plus.
- Familiarity with ASTM, ISO, and OEM lubrication standards, as well as cleanliness and filtration best practices.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned region.
Preferred Skills
- Experience coordinating bulk fuel and lubricant deliveries to remote project sites and operational plants.
- Knowledge of HSE practices related to lubrication handling and flushing procedures.
- Technical writing capability for customer reports, proposals, and flushing procedures.
- Strong understanding of contracting processes within EPC and industrial procurement teams.