Remote Innovation Business Development Jobs in Michigan

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. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This position in the Engineered Plastics business unit would 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 would also involve seeking necessary approvals at relevant specifying entities to support 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 around the world.
Part of a dedicated Mobility focused team and working closely together with the Regional and Global Application Development Engineers for Mobility, this individual will be networking with various commercial, technical and manufacturing functions. 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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

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

REQUIRED 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 1 hour commute to major airport. 30-50% travel is required.
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.
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 U.S. 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.