Business Development Manager (Plastics Industry)

Chase Plastics Services - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Detroit, MI

Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

About the position

The Business Development Manager at Chase Plastics Services Inc. is a pivotal role focused on promoting and developing business opportunities for the company's materials in strategic markets and applications. This position is designed to assist small, medium, and large OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and their tiers in discovering new uses for CPS polymer products. The manager will be responsible for identifying and penetrating priority prospect accounts to drive new business growth in specialty and engineering products. This role requires a full-time commitment to the business and affairs of Chase Plastics, with an emphasis on performing responsibilities efficiently and faithfully as assigned by the Technical Manager. In this position, the Business Development Manager will identify key end-user accounts that present business growth potential, aligning with Chase Plastics' strategic goals and supplier directives. The role is not limited to any specific geographic region or polymer type, allowing for a broad approach to market development. The manager will scout and penetrate targeted accounts' engineering and purchasing teams to facilitate material selection input and specification approval, ultimately fostering new business opportunities. Collaboration is essential, as the manager will work closely with Chase Plastics Sales, Technical Development Engineers (TDEs), suppliers, and customers to secure product approvals for use in OEM products. The role also involves providing material recommendations, application development, and technical interface with suppliers to generate new business. Regular feedback to the management team regarding account penetration, business opportunities, and prioritization for development is expected. The manager will utilize a structured process to maximize call frequency at high-potential OEMs, employing strategies such as Call Zone, Account Segmentation, Task Lists, and Target Tracking. Additionally, the Business Development Manager will coordinate with key contacts at corresponding suppliers to uncover new opportunities and achieve preferred distributor status. A strong commitment to the company's core values is essential, as is the ability to develop advanced knowledge of CPS product offerings and competitive materials. Proficiency in sales force automation software and hardware tools is required, along with the ability to assist in preparing presentations, reports, and sales tools. Participation in local trade shows and special projects as assigned by management is also part of the role, ensuring that the manager contributes to the overall success of Chase Plastics Services Inc.

Responsibilities

• Identify key end user accounts for business growth potential to develop Chase Plastics' strategic markets, applications, and materials.
• Scout and penetrate targeted accounts' engineering and purchasing teams for material selection input and specification approval.
• Work with Chase Plastics Sales, TDEs, suppliers/customers, and other personnel to get products approved for use in OEM products.
• Provide material recommendations, application development, and supplier technical interface as required to garner new business.
• Participate in joint technical sales calls and assist in providing support of field sales needs within defined market/material scope.
• Deliver feedback to the CPS management team on a recurring basis regarding penetrated accounts and business opportunities created.
• Maximize call frequency at high-potential OEMs using concepts such as Call Zone, Account Segmentation, Task Lists, and Target Tracking.
• Coordinate with key contacts at CPS's corresponding suppliers to bring new opportunities and achieve preferred distributor status.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to the company core values and act as a company advocate.
• Develop advanced knowledge of CPS product offerings and competitive materials.
• Maintain proficiency in the use of all sales force automation software and hardware tools.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, product literature, and other sales tools.
• Strive to achieve annual performance objectives.
• Assist in the coordination of or participation in local trade shows as deemed appropriate by the marketing manager.
• Assist in the development of sales tools, such as Chase literature and one-page sell sheets specific to assigned market and materials.
• Develop Power-Point presentations for general sales use and other supplier/material specific presentations.
• Ability to travel throughout the USA to specific customers and/or suppliers as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience in sales, particularly in the plastics or related industry.
• Strong understanding of business development strategies and market penetration techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with clients and suppliers effectively.
• Proficiency in sales force automation software and tools.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market opportunities and account potential.
• Ability to travel as needed to support customer and supplier engagements.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with technical sales in the plastics industry.
• Familiarity with OEM product development processes.
• Knowledge of polymer materials and their applications in various industries.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and performance.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Participation in local trade shows and industry events.