Technical Development Manager

Azelis•Santa Fe Springs, CA

About The Position

As a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, we are committed to creating value for principals and customers while providing a great work environment and career opportunities. Azelis has 4,200+ employees across 65 countries worldwide. We work with around 2,800 principals to provide a diverse range of innovative products/services to 63,000+ customers. Our industry-dedicated sales teams have specialist product and application knowledge, combined with business know-how, enabling us to add value in all business relationships. We’re always looking to add new talent to our team and encourage and support the personal and professional growth of all employees. Position reports to Vice President of Technical Development Position Summary The Technical Development Manager will be responsible for the overall growth and maintenance of the Company's pipeline in the target market. It is the Technical Development Manager's responsibility to acquire and maintain a deep understanding of the target market, including, but not limited to, market intelligence, trends, needs, and opportunities as they relate to the Company's current and new product and service offerings. Further, it is the expectation that the Technical Development Manager will foster that growth and maintenance through the use and careful coordination of the Account Management Team ("AMT"). The Technical Development Manager will be charged with continuous evaluation of the existing product portfolio and the development of product diversification strategies that address current and future product needs relative to trends, market analysis, and customer requirements. Duties include the evaluation of suppliers capable of meeting these needs and acquiring new product lines necessary to meet the organization's product portfolio requirements. The Technical Development Manager will be expected to act as a technical liaison between the Company's current suppliers and its Account Managers. The Technical Development Manager will accept the responsibility of continuously increasing the Company's technical understanding of its current product offering via any means deemed necessary by the TDM to ensure the successful growth and maintenance of the product lines.

Requirements

BS in Chemistry, Biology or a related field
Five (5) to Ten (10) years of industry experience, specifically Personal Care, preferably in a laboratory setting or technical service support function
Strong knowledge of a variety of Personal Care formulations
Experience working with specialty chemical products and the proven ability to interface effectively with research and development personnel to identify product requirements and work with suppliers to meet these needs
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
A team builder with the capability and/or experience to work effectively with a professional sales team
A solid understanding of the sales cycle and the ability to support account managers and monitor various stages of the selling process
A consultative presence indicative of the ability to prioritize and manage projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Effective in product and technical training of a technical sales staff in a team environment
Personal qualities which include good presentation and listening skills, a high energy level, results orientation, diplomacy, creativity, perseverance and persistence, as well as the ability to work independently and as a team member
Strong communication skills
Integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to quality
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Actively participate in all appropriate industry associations
Occasional overnight trips outside the designated sales territory for seminars, training, and conventions
Overnight travel as necessary or required up to 50%
Represent the company at industry and professional activities, such as trade shows, seminars, etc.

Nice To Haves

A thorough understanding of the chemical distribution field is a plus

Responsibilities

Technical Development of Account Management Team (AMT)
Assist, as requested, in the advancement of the AMT's pipeline opportunities via the use of joint calls/customer teleconference or any other method deemed appropriate to advance and improve the close rate/cycle
Responsible for continuously increasing the Company's technical understanding of its current product offerings to ensure the successful growth and maintenance of said product lines
Act as technical liaison between the Company's current suppliers and its Account Managers
Development and Technical training of the AMT to ensure the exceptional technical knowledge of the AMT
Conduct training sessions on new or current product lines as deemed necessary jointly by VP of Sales and the Technical Development Manager
Coordinate training sessions (with PDM teams when needed) as requested by the company's strategic suppliers
Monitor the Opportunity Pipeline development of the Strategic Suppliers to ensure proper execution of revenue growth as determined in quarterly supplier meetings
Review, monitor, and ensure the appropriate Opportunity Pipeline development of the key supplier product lines as discussed and planned between the supplier, Technical Development Manager, VP of Sales and Marketing
Actively and aggressively communicate opinions regarding new product/supplier opportunities due to a deep understanding of the current market trends/opportunities, and communicate those opinions to the VP of Sales, Technical Development Manager, and Marketing
Evaluate and approve technical literature we are promoting through digital channels
Assist in the recommendation and development of the company's e-blast activity and other promotional activities that are intended to generate leads/opportunities for the AMT
Develop and communicate product strategies as they relate to the Company's marketing efforts for the sole purpose of creating leads and opportunities for the AMT
Recommend, assist, and attend appropriate trade shows, association meetings, and ensure the proper and appropriate representation of the Company
Prepare and present technical presentations at customer sites, technical forums, etc.
Work with marketing on an as-needed basis to provide technical content that relates to current market opportunities and trends that will be used for presentation by the AMT to our customers and prospects