Business Development Specialist – Protective Packaging Solutions - German American Chambers of Commerce

Location: Flexible work location, ideally near a major airport on the Northeast Coast, such as Pennsylvania or New York. Candidates must be willing to travel domestically and internationally, particularly to Europe/Germany.

Our client company is a recently established independent operating entity of a leading German company in the United States, currently seeking a Sales Engineer. For context, the parent company is a distinguished pioneer in eco-friendly packaging solutions with a rich history of tradition and innovation. Founded over a century ago and now led by the fifth generation of family ownership, this organization has consistently upheld its commitment to excellence throughout its long history. As a leader in specialized applications and solutions for paper-based transport packaging and packaging systems, the US entity is launching its presence in the market, bringing its dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation to a new audience.

Position Summary:

As the Business Development Engineer for our client, you will lead their expansion efforts in the US market. Reporting to the Managing Director, your responsibilities will include building and expanding sales structures, fostering partnerships with distributors and clients, and conducting market analysis to identify growth opportunities. Your entrepreneurial skills will be essential in navigating a startup-like environment, supported by the parent company in Germany, as you promote tailored eco-friendly packaging solutions, including both machinery and in-house-produced paper materials designed to meet diverse client needs.

Responsibilities:

• Implement sales strategies for customer acquisition and business development across the US, establishing and expanding relationships through visits to distributors and customers in your territory.
• Identify and analyze market potential and target groups, delivering compelling presentations and product demonstrations of our innovative technical packaging solutions.
• Develop customized solutions by analyzing customer needs, prepare proposals, and collaborate with our sales team to finalize contracts, overseeing system installations at customer sites and providing after-sales service to ensure ongoing customer satisfaction.
• Assist in planning and executing marketing and sales campaigns, and keep the team informed through regular reporting on sales activities and results.
• Actively participate in trade shows and events, where you will network with industry professionals, build meaningful customer relationships, and showcase our innovative solutions.
• Collaborate closely with internal departments to ensure optimal customer care, while diligently managing customer information in our CRM system to maintain accurate records.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated success in technical sales, preferably with established networks within key sectors including logistics, e-commerce, furniture, or manufacturing. Experience in related industries will also be considered.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, product management, business or related field.
• Proven experience in driving business expansion and cultivating new business connections and sales territories.
• A high level of customer/service orientation and a passion for product demonstrations and application training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively build and maintain relationships with team members, distributors, partners, and clients.
• Proficient with MS Office and CRM systems.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for the majority of work hours