This is Us:

You know us. You just didn’t know it. WACKER is a global chemical manufacturer that prides itself on “Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions”. WACKER materials are so versatile and adaptable, they have virtually unlimited applications just about anywhere imaginable, making WACKER an integral part of daily life. Whether it’s protecting buildings from the elements, a tube of toothpaste, a cell phone, airbags, or cosmetics, people from all over the world come into contact each day with our products and achievements. We are looking for capable, innovative, and enthusiastic achievers to join our team and grow with us. We are currently seeking Business Development Manager – CMO at the site in San Diego, CA.

What you will do:

The Business Development Manager works together with the Global Sales & Business Development team and contributes to the sales and business development activities of the Wacker Bioingredients´ precision fermentation CMO business. This position will greatly increase our global prospective business development activities and contribute to sales and business development activities to meet Wacker Bioingredients’ revenue and growth targets. The Business Development Manager will drive the acquisition of new customer leads with the clear goal to expand the customer base by developing new opportunities and growing sales for the assigned area. In addition, the job holder will enhance the company reputation and provide solutions and services which exceed customer expectations, as well as support the development and execution of sales plans according to the defined Bioingredients´ strategies and targets.

• Identifies and generates new Leads in the CMO precision fermentation space, establishes communication (cold-calling, networking, research), explores their needs, builds strong relationships, and successfully wins the opportunity.
• Develops a strong relationship with the lead’s relevant contact person, organizes visits to the lead’s facilities or to our facilities, showcasing our capabilities and identifying the leads service requirements. Ensures the timely preparation of proposals for our CMO services working in great alignment with the program management team.
• Supports in contract negotiations with close cooperation with the global Head of CMO and legal/IP.
• Hands-over leads to program manager to develop proposals (project plans with milestones and pricing) for customers.
• Analyses market, competition, technologies. Develops action plan for market development and penetration.
• Maintains accurate records of customer visits and BD progress, provides management with timely reporting as requested and required. Updates WACKER CRM and tracks Opportunities.
• Applies the selling cycle responsibilities, by identifying and exploring new opportunities and contacts and together with program manager building and negotiating client proposals and closing the deal.
• Establishes a continuous market monitoring, identifies trends and liaises with relevant internal departments to develop new solutions.
• Participates in the relevant conferences and present WACKER Bioingredients´ capabilities.
• Initiates and potentially coordinates and attends customer visits and calls, presentations, road shows, trade shows to develop business and strengthen business relationships. 

What we need from you:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Chemistry or Life-Science related areas (e.g. biochemistry, biotechnology, food chemistry). Industry Experience. (Chemistry, biochemistry, or related discipline preferred).
• 6+ year relevant industry sales/business development experience
• 2+ years’ experience in the field of precision fermentation/biotechnology at a commercial level. Preferred CMO
• Ability to travel up to and not limited to 60% of the year.
• Knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Knowledge in biotechnology, precision fermentation, food/nutrition and personal care industry.
• Broad technical knowledge, particularly with regards to the markets and products in the areas of responsibility.
• Strong commercial and market knowledge with a good understanding of market dynamics, players, innovations and growth potentials.
• Solid experience in business development, sales.
• Ability to approach new customers and build long term customer relations.
• Identifying market and customers’ needs and opportunities to adjust customer acquisition strategy accordingly (e.g. development of partnerships, proposing flexible business models.)
• Demonstrated ability to execute customer proposals independently, gather competitive information and support the sales and BD strategy.
• Related experience with CMO manufacturing processes preferred.
• Excellent communication and intercultural skills, willing to communicate with colleagues and customers across different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures.
• Strong understanding of self-capabilities with a hunger to constantly learn about changing market conditions and new developments in the market.
• Sound negotiation and customer orientation skills.
• Strong business acumen and preferably a good understanding of cross functional cooperation.
• Excellent English language skills, preferably additional languages.
• Good IT skills (MS Windows, MS Office, SalesForce etc.).

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in San Diego is $123K – $160K. The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and length of experience within the job, type and length of experience within the industry, education, etc. Wacker is a multi-state employer, and this salary range may not reflect positions that work in other states.

• Compensation and Incentive plans
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance effective day 1
• Paid Time Off in addition to personal days and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Wellbeing fund
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• 401(k) with company match
• Education Assistance Program
• Career development and advancement opportunities
• Support for Community Involvement