BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MOLDING PRODUCTSLocation: South Bend, IN - Remote with extensive travel
What is a Business Development Manager, Molding Products?The Business Development Manager, Molding Products is responsible for driving profitable growth through market expansion, new customer acquisition, and application development within targeted composite and molding markets.
This role identifies and captures new business opportunities by partnering with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), custom molders, and Tier suppliers to replace traditional engineering materials with thermoset composite solutions. The Business Development Manager will lead the commercial aspects of application and product development, collaborating closely with R&D, technical service, operations, supply chain, and product management to translate customer requirements into tailored sheet molding compound (SMC) solutions.
What You Can Expect to Do as a Business Development Manager, Molding Products:- Identify, prioritize, and penetrate high-value growth segments, including automotive, recreational vehicle, heavy truck, infrastructure, electrical enclosures, consumer products, and construction.
- Prospect for and develop relationships with OEMs, custom molders, Tier suppliers, and other strategic partners.
- Serve as the primary commercial contact for targeted accounts and new development opportunities.
- Partner with R&D to develop new formulations aligned with customer requirements and emerging market needs.
- Establish market-segment, account, and revenue targets for assigned territories and opportunities.
- Represent Molding Products at trade shows, industry associations, conferences, and customer events.
- Develop and execute segment-based growth plans aligned with the overall business strategy.
- Lead technical-commercial sales efforts for new programs from initial customer engagement through commercialization.
What We Are Looking For in a Business Development Manager, Molding Products:- Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, business, or a related field; a technical background is strongly preferred.
- Experience with sheet molding compound (SMC), bulk molding compound (BMC), or thermoset molding processes.
- Strong business-development and strategic-hunting capabilities.
- Five or more years of experience in OEM market development, business development, or technical sales within composites, thermosets, plastics, specialty materials, or a related industry.
- Experience working with OEMs, Tier suppliers, custom molders, or industrial manufacturers.
- Ability to balance technical application development with commercial and financial objectives.
- Demonstrated success developing new accounts, penetrating target markets, and generating profitable revenue growth.
- Familiarity with automotive, infrastructure, electrical, industrial, construction, or consumer markets.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment- Ability to work in an office environment with travel to customer and manufacturing sites.
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Ability to travel up to 80% if applicable.
