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Job Title


Market Segment Lead - Metalworking Fluids


Company : Quaker Houghton


Location : Alappuzha, Kerala


Created : 2026-02-08


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates and offers competitive compensation and benefit programs.As Segment Lead for our India metalworking business, you will have with revenue responsibility of approximately USD 40 million+. You will own end-to-end segment performance, including strategy, P&L delivery, customer partnerships, and leadership of a multi-disciplinary commercial and technical organization comprising Product Application Managers, Business Development Managers, Key Account Managers and Technical Service Specialist. Your will play a critical role in strengthening market leadership, accelerating profitable growth, and building a future-ready organization across India’s manufacturing ecosystem.What will you do? Full Ownership of Market Share gain, developing and executing multi-year growth and portfolio strategy.Collaborated ownership of revenue, margin, and market share for the Metalworking segment in India.Identify growth opportunities in Automotive, Auto Component, EV, aerospace, precision machining, and advanced manufacturing sectors.Lead Customer and market engagement. Lead strategic engagement, retention and account strategy with key OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and large industrial groups ensuring long-term partnerships are established through solution selling and technical differentiation.Market Intelligence & Strategy Execution. Monitor market trends, competitor movements, and regulatory developments. Lead pricing, positioning, and competitive response strategies. Translate market insights into actionable business plans.Lead and develop a high-performing team of senior Segment and technical leaders. Drive capability development, succession planning, and performance culture. Coach future leaders and strengthen bench strength. Team of 15+ people.Ensure Technical & Application Excellence. Ensure best-in-class application support and product performance. Lead field trials, conversions, and continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with Global Metal working leaders + COE’s, R&D and Technical teams for localization and innovation.Partner closely with Regional Sales, Global COE’s, Supply Chain, procurement, Finance, and Marketing teams. Represent India Metalworking business in regional/global governance forums. Influence across matrix structures to accelerate execution.Ensure compliance with safety, ESG, legal, and ethical standards.Manage commercial risk and contractual governance.Measure Success through the assigned KPIs such as revenue, market share, NPS and others.What's in it for you?Remote/field base role for a better work-life balance.Competitive pay + Bonus & Reward opportunities.QH University: Excellent ongoing training programs for all levels.Annual volunteering leave to dedicate to the cause of your choice, our Global Giving Program.Wellbeing, Inclusion and other attractive employee benefit programs.Access to real career growth opportunities within the India, Regional and/or Global Commercial organization.What are we looking for? Education• Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mechanical / Chemical / Production preferred)• MBA / Postgraduate Management qualification (preferred)Experience• 20+ years in Industrial Lubricants, Specialty Chemicals, or B2B Industrial Solutions• 7+ years in senior leadership / business / segment management roles• Strong exposure to Metalworking Fluids and machining environments• Proven track record managing businesses of USD 25M+ scale• Experience leading multi-functional, pan-India teamsTechnical & Commercial Strength• Deep understanding of Metal working Fluids• Expertise in value-based selling and technical solution positioning• Strong financial and commercial acumen• Advanced negotiation and partnership capabilityLeadership Attributes• Strategic and execution-focused• Customer-centric and commercially sharp• Strong people developer• High resilience and integrity• Comfortable operating in complex matrix environmentsLocation & Mobility• Location: Flexible within India (major industrial hub preferred)• Travel: 50–60% domestic; limited international travelWho are we?We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with integrity.Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.Interested in learning more about QH Fluid Solutions for the Automotive sector? Click here