Business Development Manager – Automotive, Energy Storage

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in France, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Oversee global customer programs for selected multinational automotive lithium-ion battery and emission control and catalyst clients, managing the process from RFQ through to series production and lifecycle management.

• Propel regional business growth in the lithium-ion battery, energy storage systems, and emission control and catalyst sectors.

• Spearhead priority innovation initiatives by utilizing the INNOVA stage-gate process, which includes conducting market analysis, segmentation, business case development, launch planning, and commercialization.

• Cultivate relationships with customers across R&D, procurement, and quality; oversee RFQs and contract negotiations in collaboration with Sales and Legal.

• Collaborate with Operations and Quality, especially at the Alizay, France production facility, focusing on IATF 16949 accreditation, VDA 6.3 compliance, customer audits, change management, and certification readiness.

• Coordinate international cross-functional teams from Sales, R&D/Innovation, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, Finance, Sustainability, Regulatory, and Legal.

• Ensure timely decision-making, execution, and fulfillment of customer commitments related to quality, cost, delivery, service, compliance, and growth.

• Direct performance-enhancement initiatives by employing structured project management and DMAIC methodologies.

• Travel frequently for regional customer meetings, audits, and urgent on-site assistance.

• Contribute to achieving organizational objectives, performance standards, and safety through proactive initiative and execution.

• Foster collaborative relationships, leverage diverse talents, and communicate positively to influence outcomes.

• Function as an individual contributor without direct reports within an international matrix organization.

⛳️ Requirements

• Proven experience in automotive project management, business development, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with automotive clients, RFQs, contract negotiations, project delivery, and product lifecycle management.

• Understanding of automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949 and VDA 6.3.

• Capability to lead business cases driven by market segmentation, formulate go-to-market strategies, and develop product launch plans.

• Strong technical or scientific knowledge, with the ability to distill complex information into clear recommendations and decisions.

• Professional proficiency in English and comfort in collaborating with regional and global teams.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and digital tools.

• Possession of a valid driving license and readiness to travel regularly within the region.

• Consistent demonstration of responsible and ethical conduct.

• Ability to enhance company value by understanding the business, making complex decisions, and fostering innovation.

• Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt qualification is preferred.

• Experience in leading customer plant audits, completing questionnaires, readiness for certification activities, and managing change processes is preferred.

• Background in lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, emission control, or catalyst markets is preferred.

• Experience coordinating multinational customer programs across Europe, North America, and China is preferred.

• Practical knowledge of structured stage-gate innovation and DMAIC methodologies is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary in the industry.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Performance-based incentive programs.

• Inclusive and diverse work environment.

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement throughout the global organization.

• Equal Opportunity Employer.