Product Manager - Aircraft Interiors

Company Description

Magnesium Elektron

Magnesium Elektron is part of the Luxfer Group of businesses that specialise in the design, manufacture and supply of high performance materials to technology industries worldwide. With Headquarters in Manchester, UK, this group was recently listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol of LXFR. 

Magnesium Elektron is a long established light metals company that employs 400 people across North America and Europe and specialises in the development, manufacture and supply of magnesium products and services to technology industries worldwide. The organization has a strong historical case with excellent brand values (innovation, service, quality, technical support) in its existing markets. Magnesium Elektron UK plays a key role in materials development and supply. Ninety percent of sales are for the export markets - primarily North America, Europe and Japan. 

At MENA, we have a shared vision and common set of values which we apply with integrity. We all work together as a team towards common targets, goals, objectives and initiatives established and promoted by our company and their employees. Our stated values are:

• Customer Focus: We focus passionately on our customers.

• Excellence: We insist on excellence in everything we do, value continuous improvement and celebrate success.  

• Personal Growth: We create an environment in which every individual is able to achieve their maximum potential. 

• Innovation: We look for innovative solutions everywhere.

• Accountability: We deliver on our promises and hold ourselves accountable.

Job Description

Job Title

Business Development Manager – Aircraft Interiors

Reporting To

Product Manager – Aircraft Interiors

Location

USA - home based

Job summary

The main role of the Business Development Manager will be to establish and develop effective, professional working relationships within existing Aircraft Interiors customers and potential future customers and to implement strategies to grow customer awareness and increase market penetration of Magnesium Elektron products with particular focus on the Aircraft seats sector.

This will involve building relationships throughout the supply chain from direct customers (seat manufacturers) to the end users (the airlines). This will involve building close relationship with the regulatory bodies such as FAA and EASA. The prevalent type of customer relationship is of a consultative nature, with a focus on technical material sales. The role requires significant travel within USA, four times a year trip to the UK and potentially needs for global travel. 

The appointee will report to the Product Manager for Aircraft Interiors based in the UK and will be part of the UK sales team. Together they will plan and implement global sales, marketing and business development strategies in order to achieve ambitious growth and profitability targets in the Aircraft Interiors sector. They will also be required to manage and develop close working relationships with colleagues working in the area of Aircraft Interiors both in the UK and USA. 

Job responsibilities

This is a critical role within the company as we seek to expand our position in the Aircraft Interiors market, which is one of the key strategic growth markets for Magnesium Elektron. Success will be defined solely on the results achieved. The role will include the following duties and responsibilities:

• Help the customer to identify new application opportunities and pursue these through to achieve certification of Elektron Magnesium alloys on aircraft seats

• Actively participate in customer Design Reviews throughout each phase of the New Product Introduction process

• To increase external awareness of Elektron Magnesium Alloys, downstream processes and certification route in Aircraft Interiors area

• To communicate market needs to the production unit and the wider business

• To build new and manage existing US account relationships, maximising profitable sales opportunities and ensuring excellent customer service levels are maintained

• Research and obtain resolution for customer inquiries, problem reports, any additional customer support assignments. 

• Interact with Product Manager on a regular, defined basis; communicate with Supplier Qualification Manager and Manufacturing Development Managers as needed.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Skills and Work Experience 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or related Engineering discipline from a four-year college or university 

• 3 – 5 years previous experience in the aerospace, automotive or similar industry

• Proficient with Microsoft products including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook

• Excellent organizational skills. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• A positive “can do” attitude and team orientation.

• Ability to be self driven and work independently. 

• The ability to develop a relationship with customers to gain credibility and success as a business partner. 

• Determination, tenacity, professionalism and self confidence in their business and personal abilities. 

• Have good attention to detail.

Additional Work Experiences and/or Qualifications Preferences:

• Sufficient engineering capability and experience to help create effective engineered solutions ideally based on interior design experience of commercial aircraft galleys, crew rests and other related monuments

• A working knowledge of the various methods of manufacture such as: Machining, Casting, Extrusion, Rolling

• Understanding of manufacturing capabilities and limitations, methods of assembly employed by operations, material selection, protective treatments and best practices for the integration of mechanical and electrical systems.

• Competent user of the incumbent CAD and data management systems

• Certification and regulations in the Aircraft Interiors area

• Bi-lingual skills a plus

Additional Information

Magnesium Elektron North America offers a full range of benefit including

Competitive Starting wage

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

Flexible Spending account for Medical and Dependent Care

Company Paid Life, Short-term Disability, Long-Term Disability Plans

401(k) with up to a 6% company match

Generous Vacation Policy