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 would 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. This role would also involve seeking necessary approvals at relevant specifying entities to support 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 around the world.

Part of a dedicated Mobility focused team and working closely together with the Regional and Global Application Development Engineers for Mobility,  this individual will be networking 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
• Growing our contracted position with key customers
• Refine relevant strategies to engage with the 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 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 major airport. 30-50% travel is required.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances, and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS.

Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably, and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication, and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success.

Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward – aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

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.