Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Manager/Business Development: Polymer / Resin Sales

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

Business Development/Sustainability: Recycled/Biodegradable Sales will represent our brand at Customers in assigned applications. He/She will be responsible for planning and directing Sales activities at both established and prospective accounts to grow sales and profitability. The position will work from an office in their home residence, preferably within the Midwest or East. Initial training will occur at our facility in CA. Success in this role will provide opportunities for increased account responsibilities and potential for further advancement within the Company. This position reports to the Chief Commercialization Officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establish lasting relationships with appropriate customer contacts and manage these relationships through regular personal visits, phone contact, emails, virtual video interface, entertainment, and engagement at industry events.
• Coordinates sales activities with commercial, technical, Customer Service, R&D, Inventory Planning, Pricing, and Manufacturing. Acts as a team player to gather sufficient information to make strong commercial recommendations and decisions.
• Develop and execute a sales strategy, including account plans with clear objectives, tangible value targets, and timelines to capture the benefits and plans/activities in-line with strategic business goals. Driving the execution of the strategy will require effective account management of multiple influencing parties, making recommendations and offering creative solutions.
• Prepare pre-call planning for customer visits, including the preparation of an agenda, selection of appropriate participants, slide presentations or other product/technical support materials needed to support the call objectives and goals.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of business software to provide customer forecasts, input/adjust pricing, monitor territory volume performance, and participate in order management.
• Consistently meets commitments, ensures accountability, sets goals, and drives results while managing overall performance consistent with company sales metrics.
• Achieve profitable revenue growth, including robust new business development, at the same time maintaining existing sales.
• Develop, execute and manage sales plans, sales budgets, and expense budgets.
• Prospecting & new business development centered on high growth applications.
• Establish, track and close new business targets consistent with long-term growth objectives, documented and updated in CRM weekly.
• Create and maintain CRM data and sales statistics as required – including sales calls, pipelines, customer contacts, supplier joint projects, and competitive pricing requests.
• Maintain and share Google calendar for work activities that are used for sales statistics and joint collaboration with Senior Management.

KNOWLEDGE / QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• 7-10+ years of sales and business development experience (commercial or technical sales) in polymer or resin industry
• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; major in Chemical engineering, material science or related field (i.e. Technical Sales) preferred.
• Prior working experience with global corporations and/or polymers applications is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) and their process/application to specific customer needs and requirements is required.
• Prior working experience and/or knowledge of bioplastics is a plus.
• Complex thinking skills in translating customer needs into solutions – and solutions into commercial sales.
• Demonstrated past success with developmental/R&D sales for new customer projects, as well as success with market share shift (tactical selling) through customer Purchasing team to replace competitive business across various accounts and applications.
• Technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Broad knowledge of solutions, materials and processing across applications and market segments
• Strong interpersonal skills and great teamwork capabilities; able to influence and lead cross functional teams
• Minimal training and oversight required. Self-motivated and able to work autonomously on a day to day basis.
• Desire to travel domestically approx. 30% of the time
• Good computer skills, proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, Word and Outlook and CRM.
• Professional presence, including: excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; professional entertainment with customers and suppliers; professional participation in industry associations and/or networking events.