Strategic Business Development Manager - Footwear Industry (m/f/d)

Qore is a groundbreaking joint venture between HELM and Cargill, focused on delivering sustainable solutions through our product QIRA, Biobased 1,4 Butanediol (B-BDO). Our mission is to transform industries by enabling premium, innovative, low-carbon materials for a better future.

We are seeking a Strategic Business Development Manager (m/f/d) to drive and build the penetration of Qore’s business network within Europe, specifically targeting the footwear industry.

This role will focus on building strategic relationships and partnerships with footwear brands and their Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers to accelerate the adoption of Qore’s sustainable solutions into their products and brands.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with footwear brands and their supply chain partners.
• Generate demand from footwear industry suppliers and engage end user brands into the mission of adding biobased materials into their products
• Facilitate the integration of QIRA biomass-derived 1,4 Butanediol into footwear components across the value chain.
• Drive sampling, testing and sales into the complete footwear value chain
• Deliver our compelling value propositions for QIRA into complex technical sales.
• Conduct market analysis and develop strategies to grow QIRA’s presence in the footwear sector.
• Collaborate with channel partners and internal teams to deliver brand assets and supporting materials.
• Represent Qore at industry events and engage with senior decision-makers to promote sustainability initiatives.

Your Profile: 

• Bachelors’ degree ideally in a technical or business/commercial discipline - optional Masters’ degree or MBA. Minimum 5 years of experience in the footwear industry, with an end user brand or Tier supplier along the value chain.
• Proven ability to access and influence senior decision-makers at footwear brands and suppliers.
• Valuable: Experience in selling value added materials or components ultimately going into an end user consumer product.
• Strong understanding of the footwear value chain, including materials, components, and business practices.
• Solid knowledge of sustainability concepts such as PCF, LCA, CI, and relevant certifications.
• Demonstrated success in sales and marketing of branded products, raw materials, or goods to footwear brands.
• Skilled in market analysis, strategy development, and creating winning value propositions for technical solutions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills; able to work independently and in virtual teams.
• Resilient energized decision-maker with the ability to manage ambiguity and conflict effectively.