POSITION OVERVIEW
Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in the production for high quality Nylon 6,6 resins and compounds used as plastics for automotive components, cable ties, electrical & electronic components, kitchenware, caps, zippers as well as fibers for apparel, tire reinforcement, airbags, carpet and many technical applications.
Our company has a long history in the manufacture of Nylon 6,6. Today, the Company is more focused than ever before on customers - understanding their unique challenges in the market, to developing product solutions that address their market needs, and to provide excellent customer and technical service.
For our Italian masterbatches site, Esseti Plast, we are seeking a proactive and empowered Business Development Manager to drive direct sales in the masterbatches market across Italy and Europe, aiming to ensure the success of our masterbatches business.
The BD Manager will be a pivotal member of our Esseti Plast team based in Mozzate (CO), where Ascend operates a masterbatch facility specializing in coloring plastic polymers. This role involves developing and strengthening customer relationships, collaborating with our production lead and local procurement to expand market presence and optimize margins.
Based in Mozzate (2-3 days per week), the position requires frequent travel and offers the possibility of working from home. The BD Manager will oversee a team of two employees: a customer service specialist and a logistics specialist.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. As a sales representative and business development person, develop our key customers in Italy and Western Europe;
2. Develop new accounts and identify new profitable sales for Esseti Plast;
3. Promote Esseti Plast full product portfolio and services according to the market segment strategies;
4. Support the customers in terms of applications of our products;
5. Develop new colors and new applications at targeted accounts and with the support of our Color lab team;
6. Develop project pipelines with key customers;
7. Negotiate prices and contract/rebate conditions with the customers;
8. Meet growth targets as defined in our Annual Operational Plan;
9. Align the business strategy and growth plans with the key customers;
10. Collaborate with the region with the broader Ascend’s team to translate successes as appropriate;
11. Have in general a collaborative and goal-oriented attitude to ensure a sustainable and long-term competitiveness of Ascend.
TEAM
12. Esseti Plast commercial staff and the broader Ascend commercial team in Italy and in Europe.
13. Esseti Plast production lead, Esseti Plast procurement, Esseti Plast laboratory.
14. 1 Customer Service Specialist and 1 Logistics Specialist will report into her/him.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
15. Technical high school diploma or BS in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry
16. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in masterbatches, in sales/business development roles
17. Experience in developing strategies to expand Company’s portfolio and to find new business opportunities
REQUIRED SKILLS
18. Assertive, results-oriented with the ability to prioritize sales projects to drive business profitability
19. Strong communication and active listening skills – good spoken English is a must (B2 level or above)
20. Ability to integrate and influence across multiple functions within the organization to deliver results
21. Problem solving skills and critical thinking ability
22. Interpersonal skills to relate to a diverse audience internally and externally; organizational agility
23. Strong customers presence
24. Strong bias for speed, action and execution
25. Ability to deal with ambiguity, uncertainty and changes
26. Ability to think creatively and unconventionally, value capturing mindset
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.
Skills Summary:
About Us:
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.
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.
We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.
Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.
Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs
Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.
One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.