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.

About the role

This position in the Engineered Plastics business unit will 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 involves seeking necessary approvals at relevant specifying entities to support the 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 worldwide.

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

Responsibilities

• Obtain approvals and generate specifications at key accounts in the value chain
• Manage key global tiers to support application translations and business growth
• Collaborate globally to translate specifications as appropriate
• Develop a relevant network of contacts and relationships at various levels of the organization
• Develop and maintain an 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
• Support trade shows/conferences
• Contribute to global account strategies
• Develop and lead contract negotiations at key customers, coordinating with the global sales teams

Requirements

• Engineering degree and MBA from a reputed institution highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of Automotive experience at target customers with a 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 with Engineering Plastics: PPS, LCP, PPA, and PA
• Experience with the 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

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 a 1-hour commute to a major airport. 30-50% travel is required.

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 create 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.