Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager is responsible for target build and closure through market development. Accountability will center on margin and relationship building but will include prospecting & forecasting, achievement of sales objectives and directing activities across functional groups in support of account goals. Expectations include the ability to sell at all levels of management and build relationships that ensure Avient will continue to get the first and last look. Being skilled at customer centric selling approaches and effectively selling the value of our products and services are also keys to success. Individual must have the ability to assist customers in problem solving to deliver solutions, bring energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to their daily routines, and be able to perform the function independently and effectively coach and direct personnel in marketing and other disciplines to achieve results. This individual will be able to influence effectively at the peer level, as well as with the next level of the organization, as a thought leader influencing cross functionally. Thermoplastic and Thermoset Composite Product Experience Preferred. Marine industry experience would be beneficial. Up to 75% travel is required. 

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

The purpose of the Sales Function is to deliver:

• Profitable revenue growth, including robust new business development.

• Achieve stated gross margin targets as a percentage of sales.

• Approach the sales process with a high degree of professionalism and effectiveness by successful utilization of customer centric selling skills and tools, such as use of scorecards, business reviews, EVE tools, high/wide/deep, 5 warning signs, prospecting & new account calls, development of a robust sales funnel, collecting ARs, avoidance of bad debts, cross selling, and effective CRM system management.

• Develop account relationships, identify opportunities and capture the specification for Avient's products at strategic accounts within assigned geography or industry.

• Establish, track and close new business targets consistent with short and long-term objectives at designated accounts within the territory.

• Develop contact matrix and establish strong relationships with key decision makers and project facilitators.

• Prospecting and cold calling.  

• Develop, execute and manage sales plans, sales budgets, and expense budgets.

• Negotiate pricing and contracts to deliver value and growth.

• Establish account development plans and network resources up, down and across both the customer’s organization and Avient.

• Deliver the planned results (AOP).

• Develop account relationships, identify opportunities and capture service opportunities at strategic accounts within assigned geography or industry.

• Understand key players, applications, requirements, trends, and needs as well as Avient's potential and share within the targeted industry. Become an industry and product expert to leverage successes across the industry.

• Coordinate closely with regional sales teams as well as collaborating with the technical area as necessary to accelerate and drive profitable growth through solutions selling to targeted accounts.

• Establish a linkage between the customer’s business strategy and Avient's capabilities.

• Monitor the competition to better understand issues and threats and develop plans to eliminate barriers.

• Implement Avient's pricing and market strategies as well as business practices. Negotiate customer contracts and value packages to insure an acceptable return on Avient resources invested.

• Participate in strategy development, help position the business and develop the offer. Assist in defining the target markets and commercial strategy.

• Establish individual performance standards, goals and objectives - measure and provide feedback.

• Develop written Account Plans for strategic accounts including metrics to define annualized sales potential at each account.

• Develop, execute and manage sales plans and budgets. Manage expenses and report in a timely fashion.

• Manage strategic relationships, cultivate new alliances, and monitor competitive activity.

Scope

Personnel: Individual contributor.

Budget: None.

Sales Revenue: Territory specific.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive business development, sales, or account management experience within the composites, plastics, advanced materials, or related manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and achieving sales objectives.
• Experience developing and managing strategic customer relationships at multiple levels within an organization.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and managing complex customer projects from opportunity identification through commercialization.
• Strong consultative selling, negotiation, forecasting, and business planning skills.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong customer-centric selling and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with customers, peers, and senior leaders.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and problem-solving capabilities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and drive results.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills.

Our purpose at Avient Corporation is to be an innovator of materials solutions that help our customers succeed, while enabling a sustainable world.

Innovation goes far beyond materials science; it’s powered by the passion, creativity, and diverse expertise of 9,000 professionals worldwide. Whether you’re a finance wizard, a tech enthusiast, an operational powerhouse, an HR changemaker, or a trailblazer in materials development, you’ll find your place at Avient.

Join our global team and help shape the future with sustainable solutions that transform possibilities into realities. Your unique perspective could be the key to our next breakthrough!

We believe that all of our global employees are leaders and that the six most important behaviors for driving our strategy and culture are the same no matter if an employee is a leader of self, a leader of others, or a leader of the business.

By playing to win, acting customer centric, driving innovation and profitable growth, collaborating seamlessly across Avient, and motivating and inspiring and developing others and yourself you will accelerate your ability to achieve Avient’s strategic goals, to meet our customer needs, and to accomplish your career goals.

At Avient, we believe a wide variety of thoughts, ideas and backgrounds gives us the creativity to be successful in a rapidly changing world.  In support of this, we stress equality of opportunity for all qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. Decisions on hiring, promotion, development, compensation or advancement are based solely on a person’s qualifications, abilities, experience and performance.

Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran’s status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to complete an online application, please contact the Avient HR Team by emailing, [email protected].