Application Development Manager - Automotive (m / f / d)

Our client is a well-established company in the development and production of high-performance materials for diverse industries. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, they play a vital role in providing specialized solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers worldwide. They are seeking a technically proficient Application Development Manager (all genders) to drive innovation in automotive resin solution. This mid-level role focuses on identifying high-potential applications using engineering plastics and launching new projects by bridging OEM’s / Tier suppliers with internal teams. The position blends technical expertise with project leadership, overseeing material qualification, validation, approvals and cross-functional collaboration in fast-evolving markets. Your duties and responsibilities: Application Development & Tailor-made Solutions Identify high-potential automotive application areas and supplier needs; translate OEM / Tier specifications, market trends and customer challenges into precise technical solutions (material selection, color systems, processing parameters). Project Management & Technical Coordination Lead the full lifecycle of new automotive applications from concept validation through material selection, prototype development, to commercialization. Manage cross-functional alignment between R&D, production and sales; provide technical support for moldability, processing windows and mechanical properties. Material & Process Validation Conduct or oversee rigorous material testing (mechanical, thermal, chemical resistance); manage approvals of resins, formulations and color variations with suppliers; support part validation during development to ensure compliance with quality standards. Monitor industry trends, competitor benchmarks and emerging technologies in automotive plastics; proactively identify optimization opportunities or new application pathways; inform strategic product planning and innovation roadmaps. Customer & Internal Relationship Management Serve as the primary technical liaison between OEM’s and Tier 1 customers, internal R&D, sales and production; organize customer technical days to align expectations and gather feedback; resolve quality concerns, ensure process consistency and foster long‑term collaborative relationships. Your Experience: Proven >5 years’ experience in application development or technical sales / marketing with thermoplastics, ideally with a strong focus on automotive applications. Deep understanding of polymer properties, processing techniques (e.g. injection moulding) and material selection for automotive applications. Demonstrated success in business development roles within B2B environments; experienced in identifying opportunities, managing client relationships and driving technical solutions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fluent in German and English (written and spoken). Ideal Attributes: A customer-focused manager with a hunter mentality, adaptable, proactive problem-solver with a solution-oriented mindset. Highly detail-oriented and capable of working independently without much guidance. Willing to travel frequently to client sites and industry events. #J-18808-Ljbffr SIMPLEX Recruitment