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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and manage key customer accounts in the coatings and electronics industry.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on innovative coating solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by influencing customer strategies and driving business success.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in sales with a strong background in coatings or electronic materials.
- Other info: Fluent Mandarin is essential; thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role exists to develop sales and to support our on-going growth. To manage a portfolio of assigned customers, develop new business by actively seeking new opportunities. Previous experience in the coating and electronics industry within Asia, with an excellent track record for sales and performance.
Main Responsibilities
- Own strategic accounts (OEMs & tier-1s) — build and execute long-term account plans to grow revenue, protect margin and defend market share. Coordinate renewals, pricing, contracts and escalation handling.
- Technical sales & application support — translate coating technical advantages (acrylic, epoxy, silicone, polyurethane, parylene, UV-curable, etc.) into customer value; run or coordinate lab trials, qualification, and failure-mode analysis with R&D and QA.
- Cross-functional program management — lead internal teams (R&D, technical service, supply chain, QA, regulatory, production) to deliver on customer trials, scale-up, logistics and on-time delivery.
- Commercial planning & forecasting — produce account forecasts, volume/price negotiations, margin plans and business reviews; identify cross-sell and new product opportunities.
- Regulatory & quality compliance — ensure products meet electronics industry standards and local regulations (IPC specs, flammability/UL ratings, environmental rules such as China RoHS/REACH implications) and drive corrective actions for quality issues.
- Customer relationship & strategic influence — act as trusted advisor to procurement, engineering and quality teams; influence customer roadmaps and secure long-term supply / partnership agreements.
- Market & competitor intelligence — track competitor moves, market trends (e.g., growth in conformal coatings across automotive/medical/aerospace electronics) and adapt account strategy accordingly.
Additional Responsibilities
- Act as a role model for other team members and support more junior account managers.
Key Relationships and Interfaces
- Customers
- Business Management
- Finance
- Operations
- Legal
Skills & Experience
- Essential Technical / industry background: 5–10+ years in sales/key-account roles within coatings, adhesives or electronic materials — experience with conformal coatings, PCB materials, or related chemical products is strongly preferred. Good understanding of coating types, application methods and typical qualification tests for electronics.
- Commercial & account skills: Proven track record managing large strategic accounts (OEMs / EMS / contract manufacturers) with achievement of revenue and margin KPIs. Negotiation, commercial modelling, forecasting and P&L awareness.
- Cross-functional & program management: Able to lead complex customer projects end-to-end (trials → qualification → scale-up → production), coordinate multiple internal & external stakeholders, and remove blockers.
- Technical communication & problem solving: Able to communicate technical concepts to both R&D/engineering and procurement teams; comfortable in lab/plant settings during trials.
- Soft skills: Strategic thinking, relationship building, consultative selling, strong presentation skills and resilience.
- Language & local know-how: Mandarin Chinese (business fluent) is typically required; English for reporting to regional/global HQ is often needed. Knowledge of local supply-chain practices and Chinese business culture is highly valuable.
- Tools & admin: CRM proficiency, strong Excel / PPT skills and experience running Business Reviews.
Behaviours Essential:
- Organisational awareness and commitment
- Customer awareness
- Planning and organising
- Resilience
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Teamwork
- Initiative
Strategic Business Development Manager employer: P2i
Contact Detail:
P2i Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the coatings and electronics industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with strategic accounts and technical sales. Share specific examples of how you've driven revenue and managed complex projects to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of coating types and application methods, as well as market trends in the electronics sector. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in sales and account management, especially within the coatings and electronics industry. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed strategic accounts and driven growth in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves technical sales and application support, don’t forget to showcase your understanding of coating types and their applications. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between technical concepts and customer value!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at P2i
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coatings and electronics. Understand the different types, their applications, and how they relate to customer needs. Being able to discuss technical advantages confidently will show that you're not just a sales person, but a trusted advisor.
✨Showcase Your Success
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've managed strategic accounts in the past. Highlight your achievements in revenue growth and margin protection. Use metrics to back up your claims; numbers speak volumes in sales roles!
✨Be a Team Player
This role requires cross-functional collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams in previous projects. Share experiences where you coordinated with R&D, QA, and other departments to deliver results. This will demonstrate your ability to manage complex customer projects.
✨Cultural Savvy is Key
Since this position involves working within Asia, make sure you understand local business practices and culture. If you can, mention any experience you have in navigating these waters. Being fluent in Mandarin is a big plus, so don’t shy away from showcasing your language skills!