Application Guide

How to Apply for Industry Development Manager Wood Composite (f/m/d)

at Freudenberg

🏢 About Freudenberg

Freudenberg is a global technology group with a 175-year history of innovation, and its Chem-Trend business unit is a market leader in release agents and process chemicals for composite materials. The company's focus on 'tailor-made emission-neutral energy systems for sustainable heavy-duty e-mobility' signals a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge industrial solutions, making it an exciting place for professionals who want to drive change in the wood composites industry.

About This Role

As Industry Development Manager – Wood Composite, you will spearhead the growth of Chem-Trend's wood composites business across EMEA, blending strategic business development with hands-on key account management. You'll be the driving force behind market expansion, working closely with R&D and Technical Service to deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs. This role is pivotal in shaping Freudenberg's footprint in a rapidly evolving industry.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with key accounts across Europe, analyzing market data to refine sales strategies, and collaborating with R&D on a customer trial. You could also be preparing for a trade show or visiting a distributor to support their market development, all while working remotely from your home office in Germany.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Freudenberg Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in business development and sales within the wood composites or related chemical industry, with deep knowledge of release agents and process chemicals.
  • Strong strategic thinker who can translate market trends into actionable sales strategies and drive profitable growth across EMEA.
  • Excellent relationship builder with experience managing key accounts at various levels and collaborating with distributors and sales partners.
  • Technical aptitude to support customer projects and product trials, ideally with a background in chemistry, engineering, or a related field.

📝 Tips for Applying to Freudenberg

1

Highlight your experience in the wood composites industry specifically, including any work with release agents or process chemicals, as this is a niche requirement.

2

Quantify your achievements in business development and key account management, such as revenue growth percentages or new market entries, to demonstrate impact.

3

Showcase your ability to work remotely and across EMEA by mentioning previous remote roles or cross-border collaborations.

4

Emphasize any experience with sustainable or emission-neutral products, aligning with Freudenberg's focus on sustainability.

5

Tailor your CV to include keywords from the job description like 'EMEA', 'key accounts', 'sales strategy', and 'market development' to pass ATS scans.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific experience in the wood composites industry and how it aligns with Chem-Trend's product portfolio.", 'A concrete example of how you developed a market or grew a key account, ideally in EMEA, with measurable results.', 'Your ability to collaborate with technical teams and support customer projects, demonstrating a blend of commercial and technical skills.', 'Your motivation to work for Freudenberg and contribute to their sustainability mission in heavy-duty e-mobility.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Freudenberg's Chem-Trend division: understand their product lines, especially in wood composites, and recent innovations.
  • → The wood composites industry in EMEA: key players, market trends, and regulatory drivers, especially around sustainability.
  • → Freudenberg's sustainability initiatives and how they relate to emission-neutral energy systems for heavy-duty e-mobility.
  • → Recent news or press releases about Freudenberg's expansion or partnerships in the composites sector.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop the wood composites business in a specific EMEA country where you have no existing contacts?
2 Describe a time you turned around a declining key account and what strategies you used.
3 How do you prioritize between managing existing accounts and hunting for new business?
4 What experience do you have with release agents or process chemicals in wood composites, and how would you support a customer trial?
5 How would you collaborate with R&D to innovate new products based on market trends?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being too generic about sales experience without linking it to the wood composites or chemical industry.
  • Neglecting to mention EMEA market knowledge or cross-cultural sales experience.
  • Focusing only on sales metrics without demonstrating strategic thinking or technical collaboration.

📅 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!

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