Transmission Belt Reinforcement Business Development Director

Aritec New Materials Group AG, based in Switzerland, designs and supplies high‑performance fiber‑composite solutions for demanding industrial sectors. The company combines expertise in synthetic fibers, specialised treatments and polymer matrices to create robust, cost‑effective products that meet complex engineering challenges. The Transmission Belt Reinforcement Business Development Director will steer commercial growth for Aritec's reinforcement portfolio used in a range of industrial transmission belts. The role involves shaping a worldwide sales strategy, cultivating senior‑level contacts with belt manufacturers, and converting technical discussions into qualified projects that progress from sampling through to serial‑production launch. Daily activities include translating customer performance needs into clear value propositions, coordinating closely with internal R&D, application engineering and supply‑chain teams, delivering market intelligence, and representing Aritec at technical reviews, trade fairs and industry associations. The director will also oversee disciplined sales reporting, forecasting and the mentoring of regional colleagues as the business expands. Candidates must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant engineering or material science discipline and bring at least ten years of commercial or technical‑sales experience within transmission belts or closely related fields. A deep understanding of belt construction, including reinforcement cords, rubber compounds, bonding systems and manufacturing processes, is essential, as is familiarity with the full spectrum of belt types such as timing, V‑belts and multi‑rib designs. The role requires solid knowledge of reinforcement performance factors like tensile strength, fatigue resistance and thermal stability, plus a proven ability to manage complex sales cycles that involve testing, qualification and multi‑site coordination. Experience negotiating pricing, supply agreements and long‑term technical specifications is also mandatory. Preferred attributes include prior work at a recognised transmission‑belt manufacturer and an established network of contacts across the global belt industry, both of which would accelerate relationship building and market penetration. The position is senior and customer‑facing, offering the chance to influence product development and commercial strategy on an international scale while collaborating with multidisciplinary internal teams. What the role asks for: - Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical, Materials, Polymer, Chemical or Industrial Engineering. - At least 10 years commercial or technical‑sales experience in transmission belts. - Proven knowledge of belt construction, reinforcement cords, rubber compounds and manufacturing processes. - Familiarity with timing, synchronous, V‑belts, multi‑rib, variable‑speed, flat and power‑transmission belts. - Understanding of reinforcement performance: tensile, modulus, fatigue, thermal stability, dimensional stability, etc. - Ability to lead complex sales cycles including testing, qualification and multi‑site coordination. - Experience negotiating pricing, supply, development agreements and long‑term technical specifications. - Experience at a recognized transmission‑belt manufacturer (nice‑to‑have). - Established relationships within the global transmission‑belt industry (nice‑to‑have).