Sr. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - TRANSPORTATION Job

The Arkema Group; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a dynamic Sr. Business Development Engineer to spearhead growth in the Transportation market. This fully remote role offers the chance to lead strategic projects, engage with customers, and foster collaboration across global teams. With a focus on commercialization and market development, you'll leverage your expertise in polymers to drive impactful business opportunities. Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and innovation, where your contributions will help shape the materials of tomorrow. If you're passionate about making a difference in a diverse and inclusive environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Business Development or Technical roles.
• Strong background in the engineering polymers/thermoplastic industry.
• Ability to drive customer/market development projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive customer/market development projects through full commercialization.
• Generate market research reports including complex data analysis.
• Foster innovation internally and externally with customers.

Skills

Business Development

Market Research

Customer Relationship Management

Communication Skills

Project Management

Negotiation Skills

Technical Expertise in Polymers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Polymers, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Processing, Chemistry or Materials Science

MS, Ph.D. or MBA

Tools

CRM Software

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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Sr. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - TRANSPORTATION Job

Location:

Home Based, MI, United States

Employment Type: Regular

Category: Marketing / Business

Posting Date: Apr 15, 2025

Division: HIGH PERFORMANCE POLYMERS

Location: DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Job Title: SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - TRANSPORTATION

SITUATION IN ORGANIZATION

Reports to the High Performance Polymers Business Development Director in North America. This fully remote position is located in the Detroit, Michigan area and as a dotted line with the global Transportation market manager(s). Close interaction with R&D, supply chain and the global organization.

JOB DIMENSIONS

Elaborate and execute a Business Development plan aimed at identifying, developing and commercializing new business opportunities within the Transportation market of focus for the Technical Polymers business in North America. Manage a portfolio of a few tens of ongoing business opportunities, may have responsibility for multiple market segments. Manages strategic projects of high business impact (>$1M).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business development activity (North America)

• Drive customer/market development projects through full commercialization. Establish a record of success in completing commercialization projects.
• Explore, identify and develop new market/application opportunities (diversification).
• Build complete sales forecast with volumes and profitability.
• Implement an optimized business development strategy (prioritized development opportunities). Build market segmentation aligned with the business strategy.
• Effectively represent Arkema's multiple businesses to customers. Utilize a pull-through approach in establishing new customer contacts; the customer’s customers (C2).
• Identify and propose strategic partnership ideas (JDA, JV, acquisitions). Engage with Universities, Consortia and Entrepreneurial free agents for collaborative development when applicable
• Generate market research reports including complex data analysis, interpretation and recommendations.
• Apply professional expertise in area of specialization to independently resolve complex problems. Think creatively to break down barriers and create novel solutions at cross-functional level
• Determine value chain, competitive environment and industry megatrends.
• Recognize when IP protection is needed. Understand when and how to operate under a CDA and handle disclosures appropriately. Can operate effectively within the bounds of a JDA.
• Define or request the right level of technical service required to support the business development activity.
• Serve as a technical leader for customers and technical advisor to other functions in area of expertise.
• Foster innovation internally and externally with customers.
• Train peers in area of expertise.
• Leverage existing and develop new connections that establish new business opportunities with OEMs, standardization committees, level-2 customers and machine manufacturers.

Marketing / communication activities

• Develop trade shows strategy (sponsorship, exhibition, press releases, and digital communication).
• Bring growth opportunities at the company level.
• Propose and implement branding strategies when applicable.
• Develop high-level customer contacts. Develop relationships with customers, build a climate of trust.
• Interacts and influences effectively with peers at customers.

Reporting / internal communication and processes

• Establish record of success in completing commercialization projects.
• Use Arkema CRM system to log in call reports and opportunities.
• Network with Arkema R&D peers globally.
• Create new communication channels across BUs and regions.
• Share regional insight with global market managers on market trends, customer dynamics.
• Deliver activity summary presentations to peers and upper management (Project portfolio reviews, sales meetings etc.)
• Demonstrate leadership potential on multi-functional teams.

CONTEXT

Arkema’s High Performance Polymers business is a truly global organization, with manufacturing and commercial operations in all major regions. There is a particularly high level of global communication and coordination, and it is frequent that developments within a region ultimately benefit another. A keen ability to operate effectively within a global, culturally diverse community of professionals is essential.

• Travels up to 40% in North America and possibly overseas.
• Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements.
• Participates in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc. (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SafeStart, etc.).
• Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Polymers, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Processing, Chemistry or Materials Science is required; MS, Ph.D. or MBA is a plus.

8+ years of related experience with a minimum of 4 years in an R&D/Technical or BDE role, preferably in the engineering polymers/thermoplastic industry is required. Prior experience in Business Development, Field Marketing, or field Sales in automotive and transportation will also be highly regarded. Some experience may be offset by MSc, Ph.D. or MBA.

COMPETENCIES

• Excellent interpersonal, listening, communication skills and customer-focused approach. Ability to influence direction and outcomes within department and with customers.
• Demonstrates and applies customer-focused approach and maintains trust and credibility.
• Adept in utilizing “pull-through approach” to building customer contacts (customers of customers)
• Comfortable putting forth alternate recommendations and challenging opposing views.
• Ability to hold team members accountable and influence decision-makers internally.
• Ability to work in multi-functional team environment.
• Ability to prepare and present information in a clear, concise manner.
• Excellent prioritization and follow-up skills.
• Ability to bring unique knowledge to customers and the industry; formulate and make respected recommendations.
• Proficient in the use of sales tools such as Miller-Heiman.
• Fosters innovation both internally and at customers.
• Proficient with computer and communication tools (CRMs, usual software (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Foster innovation both internally and at customers.
• Ability to develop negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within a global, culturally diverse community of professionals.
• Understand the overall strategy of the group, how it relates to projects and the importance of results on the group's performance.
• Effectively represents division at multiple levels within company.

#LI-MS1

Who we are? Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.

We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 21,100 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.5 billion, of which 2.9% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.

If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.

Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?

The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States, however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire.
Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.

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