Market Development Manager

Ruhrpumpen, Inc.•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Market Development Manager for Fire Protection at Ruhrpumpen is responsible for growing sales and market presence for the company’s fire protection pump systems and packaged solutions. The role serves as the company’s fire protection expert, supporting the sales force in the field and educating customers, consultants, and internal teams about the value of complete, listed, and approved systems. This position combines deep technical knowledge of fire protection with a strong business orientation. The manager translates technical expertise into commercial opportunities while working closely with external and internal sales engineers. The role also involves frequent customer engagement and travel, with customers approximately 40% to 50% of the time.

Requirements

Degree in engineering or an equivalent discipline, with a strong business orientation; an engineering degree is preferred.
Certification or demonstrable extensive knowledge of NFPA, UL, and FM standards.
Proven experience with fire protection equipment and in multiple high-engineering industries, not only commercial sales.
Proven experience dealing with AHJs at project sites.
Ability to teach and certify courses that count toward attendees’ annual training hours.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex topics simply and connect with people at any organizational level.
Strong relationship-building skills.
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with MS Office.
Availability and willingness to travel and spend 40% to 50% of the time with customers.

Responsibilities

Accompany the sales force on customer visits as the fire protection technical expert.
Design and deliver webinars, courses, and training sessions for customers, consultants, EPCs, and RP sales teams.
Deliver training that qualifies for attendees’ annual continuing education hours.
Analyze fire protection market trends, competitor activity, and pricing strategies.
Identify existing and prospective customers, EPCs, and consultants involved in the specification and procurement of fire protection systems.
Develop market-entry strategies for new regions and industries.
Build and maintain relationships with engineering, procurement, decision-makers, and buying influencers.
Conduct high-level technical-commercial presentations.
Transfer market intelligence and technical knowledge to RP’s global sales engineering teams.
Engage with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) at customer sites to support approvals and compliance.
Ensure alignment between technical capability and customer needs.
Work closely with External Sales Engineers, Internal Sales Engineers, Sales Management, Operations, Field Services, and Legal.