Business Development Manager

North American Composites; South Bend, Northern (IN, KY); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Job summary

IP Corporation is seeking a Business Development Manager, Molding Products, in South Bend, IN, with remote work and extensive travel. The role focuses on driving profitable growth through market expansion, new customer acquisition, and application development within targeted composite markets.

You will lead commercial aspects of development, collaborate with R&D, and translate customer requirements into tailor-made SMC solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, business, or a related field; a technical background is strongly preferred.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Business development

OEM market development

Strategic hunting

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, business

Job description

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Business Development Manager

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1889

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $145,000.00 Annually

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MOLDING PRODUCTS

Location:South Bend, IN - Remote with extensive travel

What is IP Corporation?

IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Our operating companies, Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products, work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.

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.

Why Join IP Corporation?

• Be part of a stable, privately held organization with more than 70 years of success and a strong reputation in the markets we serve.
• Lead meaningful work in a company where decisions can be made quickly, ideas are valued, and employees have a direct impact on business results.
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Collaborate with talented teams across a diverse portfolio of businesses and manufacturing operations.
• Opportunity for professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career advancement.
• Join a culture built on integrity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help shape the future of an organization committed to innovation, customer success, and operational excellence.

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.

IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.