Business Development Manager

Role details

Zotefoams plc is a global leader in advanced cellular materials, trusted by some of the world’s most recognised brands to deliver high‑performance solutions.

We design and manufacture lightweight, high‑quality foam products that support innovation across sectors including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, medical and industrial applications. Alongside our core materials business, we develop and commercialise patented technologies and deliver specialist insulation systems for complex, high‑value environments.

This is an exciting time to join Zotefoams. We are growing internationally, investing in our people, technology and capabilities, and seeing increasing demand for our products across global markets. Our work sits at the heart of innovation, helping customers push boundaries in performance, sustainability and design.

We offer the chance to be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking organisation where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your contribution has real impact on a global scale.

About the Role~

This is a commercially focused role for someone who enjoys opening doors, developing markets and turning customer needs into profitable business.

You will lead new business development across the United States, building a strong pipeline within the roll foam and flexible materials markets. Alongside developing new opportunities, you will manage a small portfolio of existing customers and identify further areas for growth.

Working closely with customers, converters, distributors and Zotefoams’ technical and operational teams, you will take opportunities from initial contact through product trials, proposals, negotiation and commercial close.

Role Responsibilities~

• Develop and deliver a clear business development plan for the US market
• Identify target sectors, applications, customers and channel partners
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of new opportunities
• Win new business through structured prospecting and consultative selling
• Manage and grow a small portfolio of existing customer accounts
• Understand customers’ technical and commercial requirements
• Work with internal technical teams to recommend suitable solutions
• Lead opportunities through trials, quotations, negotiation and close
• Build relationships with stakeholders across engineering, procurement, product development and operations
• Provide accurate forecasts, pipeline updates and market intelligence
• Monitor competitor activity, pricing and emerging market opportunities
• Represent Zotefoams at customer meetings, industry events and trade shows

What you'll need~

• Proven business development or technical sales experience within roll foam, flexible foam, polymer foam, engineered materials or a closely related market
• A strong track record of generating opportunities and converting them into profitable revenue
• Knowledge of foam products, converting processes, applications and customer buying routes
• Experience balancing new business development with account growth
• Confidence in pricing, negotiation, forecasting and pipeline management
• The ability to understand technical requirements and translate them into clear customer value
• Strong industry relationships, or the credibility and drive to build them quickly
• A willingness to travel regularly across the United States
• The ability to work independently while collaborating with international teams

What were looking for? You will be commercially driven, curious and comfortable creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. You will combine persistence with a consultative approach, building trusted relationships while maintaining clear ownership of commercial results.

Why Join Us? Zotefoams is growing fast, investing globally and winning in new markets. This is a chance to be part of a business where things are moving, decisions are made quickly, and your work has real impact.

You won’t be a small cog here. You’ll have the space to take ownership, contribute ideas and see them through. We back our people to develop, step up and build long term careers, supported by a team that works together and delivers.

Our Values

Courage

– We challenge, act and push for better.

Impact

– We focus on what matters and deliver results.

Respect

– We value different perspectives and work as one team.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular material technology. Using a unique manufacturing process with environmentally friendly nitrogen expansion, Zotefoams produces lightweight foams in Croydon, UK and Kentucky, USA for diverse markets worldwide. These markets include sports and leisure, storage and protection, automotive, aviation and space, railway, healthcare, building, marine and the military.