Client overview

Our client is a leading distributor of both commodity and specialist engineering thermoplastics to the plastics processing industry. Key market sectors include automotive, medical, electrical and packaging. The company enjoys an enviable reputation for product quality and stock availability. It is well placed to respond to customer needs through a worldwide service and distribution network and is seeking an Application Development Manager to develop their standard range of products.

The Role:

· Identify, develop and close new, profitable and sustainable technical project opportunities.
· Focus on strategic customers (OEM, Convertors, Tier 1) aligned with the business strategy.
· Penetrate and build relationships at targeted customers at executive level to fully understand needs that can be converted into relevant projects.
· Provide technical support and advice to customers in the areas of design review, material proposals, product selection, approvals, risk management and thermoplastic processing / troubleshooting.
· Assist field and internal sales staff with technical advice as above.
· Technically understand and promote the complete product portfolio to plastic processors, designers, engineers, and OEM’s.
· Actively support the introduction of new products at customers.
· Actively support and investigate product quality complaints at customers, using official documents and systems.
· Maintain up to date customer files and visit reports using the Customer Relationship Management system.
· Fully use and maintain the Business Pipeline tool (Opportunities) to document all technical projects at customers.
· Take responsibility as required for specific market sectors and work with the Country/ Sales Manager to maximize the potential sales in this sector.
· Work closely with the Product Development function to ensure new material and application developments are followed up.
· Specify and interpret Moldex®, Moldflow® and ANSYS® FEA analyses as required and report to customers as necessary.

Candidate Profile:

· Polymer Engineering Graduate or equivalent.
· Knowledge of the plastics industry is essential.
· Project management skills required.
· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office essential.
· Knowledge of SAP preferred but not essential.

Experience and Skills:

· Deep technical knowledge and understanding of all polymer types and their application.
· High level technical knowledge of plastics processing, tool design and application development.
· Minimum 5 years’ experience in a customer-facing role
· Excellent communication skills.
· Highly self-motivated with the ability to perform with minimum supervision.
· Very good English and French language skills (written and spoken).
· Excellent organisational and planning skills.
· Team player with a “can do” attitude.