Business Development Leader, Mobility (Open to Remote)

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high‑performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting‑edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Position Overview
This position in the Engineered Plastics business unit will create and enhance Ascend Performance Materials’ (APM) brand recognition at targeted Mobility segment Tier 1 and Tier 2 accounts with the aim of identifying key platforms that can be translated globally. The role will also involve seeking necessary approvals at relevant specifying entities to support the business Long Range Plan (LRP). The individual will be responsible for strategy and implementation of engagement plans at target accounts, working closely with Strategic Marketing, Application Engineering, and members of the extended techno‑commercial teams worldwide. Part of a dedicated Mobility focused team, the candidate will network with various commercial, technical, and manufacturing functions. The successful candidate will consistently demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, high energy, and a ‘can‑do’ attitude.

Targeted Outcomes

Growth in specifications with Tier‑1 approvals in targeted applications

Create demand for APM differentiated solutions across the value chain in key application areas

Growth in pipeline in CRM to support LRP growth plans

Closing new business wins to drive growth in line with targets

Growth of our contracted position with key customers

Refine relevant strategies to engage with various entities in a value chain and detail account plans to implement

Significant improvement in APM brand recognition within the value chain community

Key Responsibilities

Obtain approvals and generate specification at key accounts in value chain

Manage key global tiers to support application translations and business growth

Collaborate globally to translate specifications as appropriate

Develop relevant network of contacts and relationships at various levels of the organization

Develop and maintain opportunity pipeline synced with key customer platforms/programs

Become the voice of APM at the customer – articulating strategy and providing regular business updates

Facilitate meetings between key customer stakeholders and APM colleagues

Execute campaigns as per Strategic Marketing tools

Support mapping customer needs

Develop networks at validation customers within the relevant application value chain

Utilize and execute translation packages

Meet growth targets as defined in our LRP

Align the business strategy and growth plans with the customers’ roadmaps to growth

Promotion: support trade shows/conferences

Contribute to global account strategies

Develop and lead contract negotiations at key customers, coordinating with the global sales teams

Required Experience

Engineering degree and MBA from a reputed institution highly preferred

Minimum 10 years of automotive experience at target customers with an associated strong network at Tiers

Experience in managing C‑level relationships in the automotive industry

Effective cross‑functional and multi‑level networking and influencing ability

Influencing and managing in a matrix environment

Experience of Engineering Plastics PPS, LCP, PPA and PA

Experience with e‑Mobility segment

Public speaking as an expert in conferences

Product / new technology introduction

Go‑to‑market strategy formulation

Leading / coaching / mentoring

Marketing / Business strategy formulation

Matrix management

Successful new product launches

Required Skills

Interpersonal skills to relate to a diverse audience internally and externally; organizational agility

Executive presence and ability to communicate at the highest levels

Strong bias for action with a ‘can‑do’ attitude

People leadership through influence

Analytical: analyze, synthesize, and simplify large amounts of technical / commercial data

Strategic thinking: ability to segment, prioritize, and stage initiatives

Creativity in thought and action

Cross‑functional team leadership

Strong communication and active listening skills

Problem solving skills

Innate ability to “Connect the dots”

Contracting and negotiating

Japanese and/or Korean language skills a plus

Location
Detroit preferred, open to remote within the US. Must be within 1 hour commute to a major airport. 30–50% travel is required.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.

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