Business Development Manager – Defense & Military Thermal Apparel

• Lead growth initiatives for Arclin's Aramids (Kevlar® and Nomex®) Thermal Apparel business across the DACH Region, focusing on Germany
• Drive new business opportunities and profitable growth in defense and thermal apparel markets targeting military and law enforcement end users
• Manage commercial development activities within the assigned territory
• Identify, develop, and secure new business opportunities in defense and protective apparel sectors
• Build and maintain networks of end users, BAMs, distributors, and industry stakeholders
• Develop a sales pipeline supporting short- and long-term growth
• Execute strategic business plans across the region
• Monitor market trends, customer requirements, and competitive activity
• Translate end-user requirements and technical specifications into value-driven solutions
• Maintain opportunity records and reporting in SFDC/Salesforce or other CRM systems
• Develop trusted relationships with customers, prospects, and key influencers across the defense ecosystem
• Navigate customer and procurement structures to identify decision makers and purchasing influencers
• Represent Arclin and its Kevlar® and Nomex® brands at conferences, trade exhibitions, and professional associations
• Partner with Marketing, Technical Service, Product Management, and Commercial Leadership teams
• Coordinate resources for customer projects, product launches, and business development initiatives
• Share market intelligence and competitive insights to support strategic decisions and innovation
• Develop annual account plans including revenue targets, demand forecasts, initiatives, and competitive positioning
• Track opportunity projections and support accounts receivable collection activities with Finance
• Document and manage customer activities, opportunities, and communications
• Drive disciplined sales processes and performance measurement

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field
• Minimum of five years of commercial experience in sales, business development, or marketing within defense, ballistic protection, technical textiles, or related industries
• Proven track record of achieving revenue growth and successfully managing strategic customer relationships
• Demonstrated ability to understand end-user requirements and translate them into commercial solutions
• Experience engaging with senior stakeholders, including C-suite executives, procurement leaders, and key industry influencers
• Proficiency in CRM systems, preferably Salesforce, and pipeline management methodologies
• Strong business acumen with excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, results-oriented approach and ability to operate independently
• Fluent in German and English
• Based in Germany
• Willing to travel up to 50%
• Preferred: Experience working with aramid fibers, ballistic protection systems, thermal protective apparel, or military specification products
• Preferred: Additional European language capabilities
• Preferred: Knowledge of European defense procurement processes and industry networks

• Remote work arrangement
• Opportunity to work with Kevlar® and Nomex® brands and mission-critical materials technologies
• Global work environment with ~4,000 team members across more than 30 manufacturing facilities
• Opportunity to grow, lead, and solve complex challenges
• Equal opportunity employer