Manager, Commercial Applications

About the role

Vulcan Elements is dedicated to the production of rare-earth permanent magnets within the United States, aiming to strengthen national security and support critical industries such as defense, aerospace, and automotive manufacturing. The company focuses on creating a resilient supply chain for these essential materials. The Manager of Commercial Applications will play a vital role in managing customer relationships, overseeing the qualification pipeline, and ensuring a smooth transition from initial engagement to long-term partnership. This position involves working closely with internal teams to meet customer needs, coordinate testing and qualification processes, and support business growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in technical sales, customer program management, or engineering, with a focus on advanced materials or manufacturing sectors.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Manage the entire customer engagement pipeline, including preparing accurate and timely quotes, coordinating sampling processes, overseeing qualification testing, and facilitating the transition of products from development to full-scale production.
• Act as the main point of contact for customers, building and maintaining strong relationships through regular communication, site visits, and technical discussions.
• Gather detailed customer requirements, technical specifications, and feedback, then communicate this information effectively to internal teams such as R&D, operations, and quality assurance to ensure customer expectations are met.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and execute qualification plans, ensuring testing milestones are achieved on schedule and any issues are promptly addressed.
• Lead the quotation process by working with the commercial team to develop pricing strategies that align with company objectives while meeting customer needs.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and operations teams to align production schedules with customer delivery timelines, ensuring timely delivery of samples and final products.
• Maintain comprehensive records of customer interactions, technical progress, and sales forecasts using CRM systems and internal reporting tools to support accurate forecasting and strategic planning.
• Support the commercial team by gathering market intelligence, monitoring industry trends, and identifying potential new customers or markets to expand the company's reach.
• Assist in preparing technical presentations and proposals for prospective customers, emphasizing the company's capabilities and value proposition.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and company policies during customer interactions and project management activities.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to provide insights on customer needs and feedback, helping shape product development and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts within the commercial team by sharing best practices and identifying process efficiencies.

Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may evolve based on business needs and strategic priorities.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, materials science, business, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in engineering, technical sales, business development, or customer program management, preferably within advanced manufacturing, materials, or sectors such as automotive or aerospace.
• Proven track record of managing complex programs involving technical deliverables such as samples, testing, and qualification processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with both technical teams and executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term customer relationships and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including operations, R&D, and quality assurance, to meet project milestones and customer expectations.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access restrictions related to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience with CRM systems and internal reporting tools to track customer status, technical progress, and sales forecasts.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with rare-earth materials, magnetics, or related advanced materials markets.
• An MBA or other advanced business degree to complement technical expertise.
• Knowledge of defense or aerospace procurement processes and standards.
• Technical expertise in magnet design, materials processing, mechanical engineering, or component manufacturing.
• Experience establishing and managing customer pipelines using CRM systems and other reporting tools.
• Understanding of export controls, ITAR regulations, and related compliance requirements.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in CRM software and internal reporting systems for tracking customer interactions and project status.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret market data, customer feedback, and technical information.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging with internal teams and external customers.
• Ability to work cross-functionally, managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices in customer program management and technical sales.

Practical notes

This position may require occasional travel to customer sites, industry events, or company facilities. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for professional growth within the company. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience managing complex customer programs and their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, technical environment. Please submit your application by [insert application deadline], including a resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation for joining Vulcan Elements.