title VP, New Business Development

Location Lowell MA 

Clients main market is material Solutions located in Lowell, MA, develops and manufactures engineered carbon-based products for electrochemical hydrogen and energy storage applications, including advanced gas diffusion layers (GDLs), molded graphite laminates, woven carbon fabrics and carbon felts. We are a growing company with an entrepreneurial spirit and a mission in decarbonization technologies looking to add a full-time Director, New Business Development to our team in support of significant expansion efforts.

You will drive the market expansion of our products and solutions by leveraging the combined expertise of the Sales team in market analysis, business development, and strategic planning to identify and capitalize on new opportunities. This role requires a deep understanding of advanced materials sales, asset utilization, complex qualification timeframe, and long-term contracts around the Hydrogen and Alternative Energy markets. Strong business development, broad business knowledge, strategic thinking, technical acumen, exceptional communication skills, effective sales and a proven track record of driving partnerships that foster innovation and growth are required.

Position Responsibilities
• Leadership and management of Clients New Business Development Team and distributor network to achieve sales and revenue targets and accomplish strategic goals across all product segments both domestically and internationally.
• Direct comprehensive market research to identify emerging trends, competitive landscapes, and potential opportunities for business expansion.
• Effectively utilize industry knowledge to support the identification of new markets and cultivate business opportunities outside core niche. Identify unmet needs outside the core marketplace and develop strategies in partnership with R&D and Sales to expand or launch offerings.
• Navigate through complicated situations to determine clear paths forward using a pragmatic approach of critical thinking.
• Support the strategic direction of the company’s product development operations; execute this strategy in collaboration as part of company leadership.
• Communicate with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders to identify and assess product and program requirements; apply this knowledge to support product development strategy.
• Support the development and implementation of key performance metrics, milestones, specifications, documentation and reporting requirements, and budgets.
• Develop and assess business data necessary to support strategic decision-making including revenue, profitability, and business development.
• Support long range strategic planning and assist in developing shorter range tactical plans to ensure successful scale-up.
• Maintain knowledge in developing trends and technologies in the industry.
Requirements
• Ideal Candidate has a bachelor’s degree in engineering and/or Material Science, MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of experience driving business development and relationship management of large, complex accounts, preferably within advanced materials industry with resins, fibers, and complex qualifications.
• Experience in both the US and International marketplace.
• Experience within the Aerospace, Energy, Defense, or other technology-based market is required.
• Experience in successfully coaching and leading a team of sales executives and distributors to achieve company objectives.
• Strong business acumen and with the ability to provide robust financial modeling and projections.
• Ability to formulate strategic plans that align with market trends and customer needs, complex programs with long-lead time qualifications and sole source positions, highly differentiated products, and large asset driven programs is a must.
• Understanding of new technology development processes, qualification, and commercialization, ideally with novel electrochemical technologies (e.g., fuel cells, electrolyzers, batteries,)
• Strong drive, sense of urgency, self-motivation, and goal-orientation
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate market insights into actionable business strategies.
• Experience in generating, qualifying, and closing new business opportunities.
• Exceptional communications and negotiations skills, both verbal and written. Must project competence and confidence when interacting with senior executives of clients customers and strategic partners.
• Valid passport and willingness to travel as required.
• The position is located on-site at the company’s Lowell, MA facility.
• The position reports directly to the company’s CEO.