Application Guide

How to Apply for Business Development Manager - Components

at Freudenberg

🏢 About Freudenberg

Freudenberg is a global technology group specializing in sealing, vibration control, and emission-neutral energy systems for heavy-duty e-mobility. Their focus on sustainable, tailor-made solutions makes them a leader in green industrial innovation, offering a chance to work on cutting-edge technologies that reduce environmental impact.

About This Role

As a Business Development Manager for Components, you'll drive sales growth by managing a $6M+ market, expanding key OEM accounts, and developing new business opportunities. You'll collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, R&D, and supply chain teams to deliver customer-focused solutions, making a direct impact on the company's growth in the sustainable energy sector.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing sales pipeline and following up with key OEM contacts. You'll then join a cross-functional meeting with engineering and product management to discuss a customer's technical requirements, followed by a virtual visit to a client to present a tailored solution. Afternoon could involve analyzing market data to identify new opportunities and preparing a proposal for a strategic account.

🎯 Who Freudenberg Is Looking For

  • Experienced in B2B sales or product management with a proven track record of growing accounts and revenue in industrial markets.
  • Deep knowledge of gears, valves, pneumatics, automation, or power transmission, with the ability to sell technical products to engineers and executives.
  • Skilled at building strategic relationships across procurement, engineering, and executive levels, with strong negotiation and contract management abilities.
  • Analytical and market-aware, able to identify trends, customer needs, and competitive insights to drive growth strategies.

📝 Tips for Applying to Freudenberg

1

Tailor your resume to highlight experience with emission-neutral or heavy-duty e-mobility components, even if tangential, to show industry alignment.

2

Quantify your achievements in previous roles (e.g., 'grew a $5M account by 20% in two years') to demonstrate your impact on market growth.

3

Mention any experience with cross-functional collaboration between sales, engineering, and supply chain, as this is key to the role.

4

Research Freudenberg's specific product lines for e-mobility (e.g., sealing solutions, vibration control) and reference them in your cover letter.

5

Emphasize your ability to manage a $6M+ market by showing examples of budget ownership or large account management.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Highlight your experience in industrial components sales (gears, valves, pneumatics) and how it relates to Freudenberg's e-mobility focus.", 'Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with OEMs and influence decision-makers across engineering and procurement.', 'Show your understanding of the sustainable heavy-duty e-mobility market and how you can drive growth in that space.', 'Provide a specific example of a successful business development initiative that involved cross-functional teamwork.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Freudenberg's recent press releases and case studies on emission-neutral energy systems for heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Understand their key product lines (e.g., sealing, vibration control) and how they integrate into e-mobility applications.
  • Look into the competitive landscape for sustainable e-mobility components, such as other suppliers in the market.
  • Review Freudenberg's corporate values and sustainability initiatives to align your application with their mission.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach expanding key OEM accounts in the heavy-duty e-mobility sector?
2 Describe a time you identified a market trend and turned it into a growth opportunity.
3 How do you manage relationships with both engineering and procurement stakeholders?
4 What experience do you have with contract negotiations for large industrial accounts?
5 How would you partner with R&D and supply chain to deliver a customer-focused solution?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus on consumer sales experience; this role is strictly B2B industrial sales.
  • Avoid generic cover letters; failing to mention e-mobility or heavy-duty applications shows lack of research.
  • Don't underestimate the technical nature; candidates who can't discuss gears, valves, or pneumatics will be overlooked.
  • Avoid being vague about your market growth achievements; use specific numbers and examples.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Freudenberg!