Business Development Manager

Our client, a global manufacturer and innovation leader in engineered materials and advanced composite solutions, is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth across the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. This individual will play a key role in expanding market share, developing strategic partnerships, and identifying new commercial opportunities within the advanced composites space.

The ideal candidate will combine technical knowledge of composite materials with a strong commercial mindset and a proven ability to develop both short-term opportunities and long-range growth strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with customers, distributors, suppliers, and key stakeholders throughout the advanced composites market.
• Generate profitable revenue growth through new business development, customer acquisition, and expansion of existing accounts through upselling and cross-selling initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and customer requirements to identify emerging opportunities and support go-to-market strategies.
• Partner closely with engineering, operations, product management, marketing, and R&D teams to deliver customized solutions that address customer needs.
• Lead negotiations and close complex commercial agreements while ensuring long-term value and profitability.
• Represent the organization at trade shows, industry conferences, and customer events to strengthen relationships and build brand presence.
• Maintain accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance metrics related to business development activities.
• Collaborate with leadership and legal teams to structure and negotiate customer agreements, including supply agreements, commercial contracts, memorandums of understanding, and joint development agreements.
• Support product strategy and commercialization efforts by identifying unmet customer needs and providing market intelligence to engineering and R&D teams.
• Participate in new product development initiatives to help bring innovative solutions to market and drive sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Business, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience within the advanced composites industry, including familiarity with materials and processes such as:
• Sheet Molding Compound (SMC)
• Bulk Molding Compound (BMC)
• Epoxy systems
• Fiberglass
• Carbon fiber composites
• Demonstrated success selling technical materials, engineered products, or advanced manufacturing solutions.
• Knowledge of market dynamics within the composites, adhesives, and sealants industries.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills with the ability to engage customers at multiple organizational levels.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%.

Preferred Characteristics

• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated mindset.
• Strong hunter mentality with a passion for developing new business.
• Results-oriented with a focus on achieving growth objectives.
• Customer-centric approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Innovative thinker with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Collaborative team player capable of working effectively across functions.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.