Business Development Manager - Elastomers & Automotive

Overview

A leading international specialty chemicals and performance materials organisation is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager - Elastomers & Automotive to drive growth across Germany and selected European markets.

The role focuses on developing business with global EPDM manufacturers, compounders, and automotive customers, while identifying new opportunities and expanding existing accounts. Working closely with technical, product management, and commercial teams, the successful candidate will support market growth across elastomers, rubber compounds, performance polymers, and automotive applications, delivering sustainable sales and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive profitable sales growth by identifying and developing new customers within the elastomers, rubber, and automotive sectors.
• Manage and grow existing key accounts while developing long-term strategic partnerships.
• Achieve annual sales, volume, margin, and profitability targets.
• Develop and execute territory growth plans aligned with wider business objectives.
• Lead business development activities for new product introductions and market expansion initiatives.
• Conduct regular customer visits, technical discussions, and commercial negotiations.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, competitor activity, pricing developments, and emerging opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline through effective lead generation and opportunity qualification.
• Prepare accurate sales forecasts, business plans, and market intelligence reports.
• Work closely with product management, technical teams, supply chain, and finance to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Support resolution of product quality, service, and supply issues through structured account management.
• Optimise territory performance through effective inventory, logistics, and cost management.
• Represent the company at industry exhibitions, conferences, and customer events.
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, industry regulations, and ethical business practices.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Business, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of commercial experience within the elastomers, rubber, polymers, specialty chemicals, or automotive materials industry.
• Proven track record of business development and account management success.
• Strong understanding of:
  • Synthetic and natural rubber compounds
  • Elastomers
  • Performance polymers
  • Automotive materials and components
  • Specialty additives and formulations
• Experience managing technical sales cycles and conducting value-based customer engagements.
• Commercially driven with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent German and English language skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25-40% across the assigned territory.

Preferred Experience

• Existing network within global EPDM manufacturers, automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, compounders, rubber manufacturers, or polymer processors.
• Knowledge of elastomer technologies including EPDM, SBR, NBR, BR, CR, TPEs, TPVs, and specialty rubber compounds.
• Experience working for a specialty chemical distributor, manufacturer, or raw material supplier.
• Strong understanding of applications within automotive sealing systems, hoses, weatherstrips, construction, industrial rubber goods, and engineered polymer markets.

Key Competencies

• Business Development
• Strategic Account Management
• Commercial Negotiation
• Market Analysis
• Territory Management
• Pipeline Development
• Technical Sales
• Forecasting & Planning
• Customer Relationship Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration