Head of SMC Sales- sheet moulding compound

Red Chilli Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Business Development Leader to spearhead global growth in the Rail, Bus, and Electric Vehicle sectors. The successful candidate will drive market strategy, develop high-value OEM partnerships, and lead the sales lifecycle for advanced composite solutions. With over 10 years of experience in commercial roles, especially in engineering sectors, you'll focus on positioning composite materials as superior alternatives in EV applications. This is a strategic role aimed at significantly impacting company growth.

Qualifications

• 10–12+ years of senior commercial experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Proven success in Rail, Bus, Automotive, or Electric Vehicle sectors.
• Strong track record in selling engineered or composite solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a growth strategy for Rail, Bus, and Electric Vehicle segments.
• Build relationships with EV OEMs and battery manufacturers.
• Manage the full sales lifecycle from prospecting to contract closure.

Skills

Business development strategy

Sales lifecycle management

Market intelligence development

Commercial negotiations

Technical collaboration

Education

Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

Job description

We are seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Business Development Leader to drive global growth across the Rail, Bus, and Electric Vehicle (EV) sectors, with a focus on advanced SMC composite solutions.

This role is responsible for identifying, developing, and securing high-value opportunities with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, battery manufacturers, and transport authorities. The successful candidate will position the company as a preferred partner for lightweight, durable, and high-performance composite components, including next-generation EV battery enclosures and structural applications

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and execute a 3–5-years growth strategy across Rail, Bus, and EV segments
• Identify and develop new opportunities for SMC components in:
• Rail rolling stock and infrastructure
• Bus and coach manufacturing
• Interior and exterior transport components
• Electrification and lightweighting initiatives
• Electric Vehicle battery enclosures, covers, and structural components
• Build robust market intelligence on competitors, emerging technologies, and future mobility programs

Electric Vehicle (EV) Market Development

• Lead the development of EV business, focusing on:
• Battery enclosures and protective covers
• Structural and semi-structural battery components
• Electrical insulation and thermal management solutions
• Establish relationships with:
• EV OEMs
• Battery manufacturers and integrators (cell-to-pack / pack assembly)
• Tier-1 automotive and system suppliers
• Position SMC as a superior alternative to metals and thermoplastics based on weight reduction, fire performance, durability, and cost efficiency

Sales & Market Expansion

• Originate and convert high-value opportunities with:
• Rail OEMs
• EV manufacturers and battery suppliers
• Tier-1 system suppliers
• Transport authorities and operators
• Manage the full sales lifecycle from prospecting to contract closure
• Lead commercial negotiations and secure long‑term supply agreements
• Build and maintain a strong, qualified global sales pipeline

Technical & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Production, and R&D teams to: Thermal management and insulation
• Fire resistance and safety (including thermal runaway scenarios)
• Structural integrity of composite components
• Translate customer requirements into commercially viable solutions
• Support feasibility studies, costing, and project execution
• Develop EV-specific solutions addressing:
• Support the preparation of technical proposals and commercial submissions

Market Positioning & Brand Growth

• Position SMC composites as a leading solution for:
• Lightweighting and energy efficiency
• Fire and smoke compliance
• Corrosion resistance and durability
• Sustainability and lifecycle cost reduction
• Battery safety and performance in EV applications
• Strengthen the brand as a global leader in advanced composite mobility solutions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• 10 –12+ years senior commercial experience in manufacturing, infrastructure, rail, or industrial sectors
• Proven success in Rail, Bus, Automotive, or Electric Vehicle sectors
• Strong track record in selling engineered or composite solutions
• Demonstrated ability to win and manage large, complex international contracts
• Experience operating across Europe and North America is essential
• Strong understanding of SMC and the benefits
• Strategic, results‑driven leader with a track record of achieving sales target