Business Development Manager

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with sales teams to prepare commercial proposals, contracts, and negotiate pricing.
• Assist in identifying and engaging new business prospects, from initial contact to closing deals.
• Deliver commercial and technical presentations and ensure alignment of opportunities with Competence Center objectives.
• Manage and motivate Application Engineers and Product Manager.
• Identifies strategic gaps and pursue business opportunities requiring cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive new business development for the Competence Center.
• Lead strategic and operative planning for different market segments in the U.S.
• Conduct market intelligence and competitive analysis, providing comprehensive insights on major competitors.
• Initiate of cost-reduction actions and manage gross profit margins.
• Eliminate loss-making products and ensure pricing and margins support long-term profitability.
• Development and execute market-driven strategic plan (STRAP) that will deliver a sustainable competitive advantage.
• Evaluate new applications and market opportunities.
• Act as a voice of the customer (VOC) to shape strategy and set priorities. Build strong customer relationships and support the introductions of new customers.
• Conduct detailed market analysis to assess market potential, positioning, trends, and target accounts.
• Collaborate with program management, supply chain, engineering, and other departments to ensure profitability when quoting and designing new parts. Balance risk and reward vs resource allocation (RR&R) should always be considered.
• Serve as commercial champion for the Competence and Lead Centers, both internally and externally.
• Identify technology gaps and market product potential, and coordinate with Lead and Competence Centers to integrate projects into the Technology Roadmap.
• Participate in monthly SIOP (Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning).
• Coordinate inter-divisional and global programs through effective communication and coordination with FST functions, including quality, manufacturing, finance, purchasing, engineering, and management, as well as global partners.
• Enhance the market communication of FST products and services by promoting “points of difference” and “benefits” (value selling).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or master’s degree in business or marketing.
• 7+ years of experience in customer development or sales, with expertise in value-based technical solution selling.
• Will need to acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the product portfolio and Freudenberg processes, particularly within the Division and FST sales channels.
• Specialized knowledge of product marketing management including marketing tools.
• Aerospace market experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of seal material characteristics, products and processes is beneficial.
• Fluent in English

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve issues promptly, analyzing information effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Maintain confidentiality and openness to new ideas, fostering teamwork across the organization.
• Communication: Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Planning & Organizing: Prioritize tasks efficiently and develop actionable plans.
• Quality Control: Ensure accuracy and thoroughness in work.
• Adaptability: Respond to changes and challenges with flexibility.
• Dependability: Demonstrate reliability and commitment to tasks and responsibilities.
• Safety & Security: Promote and adhere to safety and security protocols.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership