Business Development Representative (Engineering Plastics, Polymers & Advanced Materials)

Our client is a global manufacturer of high-performance engineering plastics, polymers, and advanced material solutions serving some of the world's most innovative industries. Their materials are utilized in demanding applications across Automotive, Aerospace, Defense, Space, Biosciences, Medical, Electronics, Semiconductor, Industrial, and Consumer markets.

As part of continued growth and market expansion throughout North America, they are seeking a Business Development Representative to identify new opportunities, develop strategic customer relationships, and expand market penetration across key industries. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated sales professional who enjoys opening doors, building relationships, influencing technical stakeholders, and creating long-term growth opportunities in a technically driven environment.

Position Summary

The Business Development Representative will be responsible for driving new business development activities while also managing and expanding selected existing customer relationships. Approximately 70% of the role will focus on new customer acquisition and market development, with the remaining 30% dedicated to account management and growth within established accounts.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, technical, product development, and commercial teams to identify new applications, influence material selection decisions, and support customers throughout the product development and qualification process. This position reports directly to the Sales Manager and offers significant visibility and growth potential within a global organization.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Develop and execute strategic business development plans to identify and secure new customer opportunities.
• Research target accounts, identify decision-makers, and establish relationships with key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals, industry events, and market intelligence.
• Develop business opportunities with OEMs and their supply chains, including Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 suppliers.
• Promote the company's engineering plastics, polymers, and material capabilities during early-stage product development activities.
• Influence material selection and specification decisions through engagement with engineering, product development, materials, sourcing, and procurement teams.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and industry trends to support strategic growth initiatives.

Account Management & Customer Development

• Manage and grow selected existing customer relationships.
• Coordinate with technical, product management, and customer service teams to support customer requirements.
• Develop account growth strategies to increase revenue, market share, and customer engagement.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and responsiveness throughout the sales cycle.

Industry Engagement

• Represent the company at industry trade shows, conferences, technical seminars, and customer events.
• Build professional relationships with industry stakeholders, partners, and influencers.
• Serve as a market ambassador for the company's products, capabilities, and value proposition.

CRM & Reporting

• Maintain accurate opportunity pipelines, forecasts, and customer activity records within Salesforce.
• Utilize Salesforce, Excel, PowerPoint, and other business tools to track performance and support business planning.
• Prepare regular sales reports, pipeline reviews, and market development updates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of B2B sales, business development, or account management experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and converting new business opportunities.
• Strong prospecting, relationship-building, and consultative selling skills.
• Experience managing multiple opportunities and customer projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Salesforce CRM and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently.
• Ability to travel domestically throughout the United States as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within engineering plastics, polymers, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, or related industries.
• Knowledge of thermoplastics, engineered resins, polymer compounds, or material selection processes.
• Experience working with automotive, aerospace, defense, electronics, semiconductor, industrial manufacturing, or related markets.
• Experience engaging technical stakeholders including engineers, product designers, materials specialists, and R&D teams.
• Understanding of OEM and Tier supplier structures and purchasing processes.

Location: Farmington Hills, Michigan (Hybrid Remote + Travel)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct-Hire

Compensation: $100,000 – $115,000 Base Salary (Negotiable Based on Experience)

Benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401(k) Match, Generous PTO, Company Vehicle Allowance, Career Development Opportunities.