Business Development / Product Manager - Engineering / Plastic Polymers

SUMMARY:
A well-established international engineering plastic / polymers manufacturer and distributor supplying polymers into the automotive and plastic converting manufacturing industries requires the above to responsible for identifying growth opportunities, managing product portfolios, and driving sales within the polymers market. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, market insight, and commercial acumen to support customers, expand the business, and maintain the company’s competitive position.

POSITION INFO:
Minimum requirements for the role:

• A tertiary qualification in either chemistry or polymer sciences or related is preferred but not essential.
• Previous experience having worked within the automotive and related engineering polymer and rubber additive raw material industry calling on plastic converters and the automotive manufacturing industries is preferred for the role.
• Market knowledge across the South African market and neighbouring countries is preferred.
• An understanding of plastic raw materials and the associated conversion processes is essential. A good understanding of injection blow moulding is preferred.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office suite applications and CRM Software.
• Must have good negotiation skills.
• Must have excellent presentation and interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate at all levels.

• Identifying growth opportunities, managing product portfolios, and driving sales within the polymers market. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, market insight, and commercial acumen to support customers, expand the business, and maintain the company’s competitive position.
• Developing new business and managing key accounts within the engineering polymers and rubber additive automotive and related manufacturing industries on a national basis for the company.
• Implementing key account plans and strategies to ensure sales targets and objectives are met or exceeded.
• Managing and delivering on technical queries with regards to existing and new products.
• Monitoring market developments in order to identify and assess potential new customers and opportunities.
• Implementing volumes and pricing objectives agreed with key account customers and evaluating technical requirements of specific customers.
• Assisting with selecting the correct material and grade for various applications, based on functionality and performance expectations of material datasheet concerning the performance of the product.
• Analysing sales statistics to develop continuous improvement strategies and drive new strategies when needed.
• Identifying growth opportunities within the local market and conducting technical trials and evaluations to source suitable materials for the application.
• Overseeing a product portfolio of engineering polymers, including nylon, abs, acetal, modified PP, PPS, PC, PBT and PMMA, HIPS, GPPS and PET.
• Collaborating with R&D, technical, and production teams to support product development and technical problem-solving.
• Working closely with sales, technical service, supply chain, and marketing teams to ensure seamless delivery of products and solutions.