Position Summary:
Our client, a leading manufacturer of speciality polymer compounds for Wire & Cable applications, is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to support their continued growth across Germany and selected European markets. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with cable manufacturers, wire harness producers, automotive suppliers and OEMs. This role requires a strong combination of technical and commercial expertise. The ideal candidate will have previous experience within the wire harness, cable manufacturing and possess a solid understanding of cable design, insulation and jacketing materials, processing technologies and industry specifications. Working from a home-office location in Germany, the Business Development Manager will act as the key interface between customers, technical teams, product development and manufacturing to identify opportunities, support new business development and ensure the successful implementation of customer projects involving our client's products.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute sales strategies to grow revenue and market share for polymer compounds used in Wire & Cable applications.
- Manage and expand relationships with existing customers while identifying and developing new business opportunities.
- Engage with cable manufacturers, wire harness producers, Tier 1 automotive suppliers and OEM engineering teams.
- Understand customer requirements and translate technical needs into commercially viable solutions.
- Promote our client's portfolio of polymer compounds, including materials for insulation, sheathing, jacketing and specialised cable applications.
- Identify and manage project opportunities from concept through commercial launch.
- Support customers during material selection, validation, qualification and production implementation phases.
- Collaborate closely with R&D, Technical Service, Product Management and Operations teams.
- Monitor market trends, competitive activity and emerging technologies within the Wire & Cable industry.
- Prepare sales forecasts, customer development plans and regular market intelligence reports.
- Represent our client at industry exhibitions, technical conferences and customer events.
- Ensure achievement of annual sales targets, profitability objectives and strategic growth goals.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Business or a related discipline; alternatively equivalent industry experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in technical sales, business development, application engineering, product management or a customer-facing technical role within the Wire & Cable industry.
- Strong understanding of polymer compounds used in cable insulation and jacketing applications.
- Experience working with cable manufacturers, wire harness producers, automotive suppliers or related industries.
- Knowledge of material technologies such as EVA, TPE, TPV, LSZH/HFFR and other speciality compounds is highly desirable.
- Proven track record of developing customer relationships and delivering profitable sales growth.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently in a home-office environment.
- Willingness to travel frequently within Germany and Europe.
- Fluent German and English language skills.
Preferred Experience:
Candidates with experience at wire harness manufacturers, cable producers, automotive Tier 1 suppliers or related organisations will be particularly attractive. Examples include experience in:
- Wire harness design and engineering.
- Cable construction and specification development.
- Material selection for insulation and sheathing applications.
- Automotive cable systems and electrical distribution architectures.
- Customer-facing engineering, application development, programme management or technical sales roles.
- Working with automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Key Competencies:
- Technical credibility with engineering, quality and purchasing teams.
- Consultative and solution-based selling approach.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Commercial acumen and business development mindset.
- Ability to influence decision-makers at multiple organisational levels.
- Self-motivated, entrepreneurial and results-oriented attitude with excellent problem-solving and relationship-building skills.
Offers:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus and a fully expensed company car.
- Home-office-based role with a high degree of autonomy.
- Opportunity to work with innovative polymer technologies and leading industry customers.
- International environment with strong growth ambitions.
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
- The opportunity to play a key role in expanding our client's presence within the European Wire & Cable market.
- Private pension scheme.