What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales Manager/Director position at Kuri Products?
Position Overview
Kuri Products is seeking a Sales Manager/Director to drive commercial growth, strengthen customer relationships, and help shape our go-to-market strategy. This role is ideal for a proactive, self-motivated commercial leader who is comfortable navigating ambiguity and taking ownership in a startup environment. Reporting directly to the Vice President, with high visibility to the CEO & Founder, this role will work cross-functionally and contribute beyond traditional sales responsibilities. The position is hybrid, with in-office presence as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership & Growth
- Develop and execute sales strategies to grow revenue and market presence
- Build and manage relationships with cosmetic brands, manufacturers, and industry partners
- Identify new market opportunities, applications, and customer segments
- Own sales pipeline management, forecasting, CRM, and reporting
Customer Engagement & Market Development
- Present product portfolios, value propositions, and business solutions to customers
- Support sampling, customer trials, and follow-ups in collaboration with internal teams
- Gather market feedback to support portfolio strategy and product positioning
- Represent Kuri Products at trade shows, meetings, and industry events
Internal Leadership & Enablement
- Help educate and guide internal team members on sales processes and best practices
- Contribute to sales tools, presentations, and commercial materials
- Collaborate with marketing, operations, and leadership to align strategy and execution
Startup & Cross-Functional Contributions
- Support pricing discussions, commercial agreements, and partner coordination
- Participate in supplier meetings and ongoing product learning
- Wear many hats and assist across functions to support overall business growth
- Contribute ideas and structure in a fast-moving, evolving environment
Qualifications
Experience
- 3–10 years of experience in B2B sales, preferably in cosmetics, personal care, chemicals, or related industries
- Proven ability to build relationships, close deals, and manage a sales pipeline
- Experience in a startup or entrepreneurial environment is a strong plus
Education
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Marketing, Science, Engineering, or a related field
- Equivalent experience will also be considered
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical knowledge of cosmetic raw materials, formulation, or new product development
- Experience working with formulators, R&D teams, or contract manufacturers
- Comfort discussing product performance, applications, or ingredient benefits
- Interest in cosmetic science and innovation
What We’re Looking For
- Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable working with limited structure and guidance
- Strong communicator with excellent presentation and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinker who is also hands-on and execution-oriented
- Curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new concepts quickly
- Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and strong work ethic
- Passion for the cosmetic industry, innovation, and entrepreneurship
- Confident working both independently and collaboratively in a small, fast-moving team
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Why Join Kuri Products?
- High-visibility role reporting to the VP with direct exposure to the Founder
- Opportunity to help shape commercial strategy and company growth
- Mentorship from industry experts across sales, operations, and innovation
- Hands-on experience in the cosmetic raw material business
- Growth potential within a small, agile, and entrepreneurial team
This role offers a rare opportunity to grow with a startup while learning the cosmetic industry from the inside out.