Business Development Manager - Fluid Intelligence Solutions

At Quaker Houghton, we are experts in the development, production and application of industrial process fluids, lubricants and coatings for the manufacturing industry. We have been an integral part in the growth of the world’s largest industrial and manufacturing companies from aerospace and automotive to primary metal and energy. Today, we have a global presence, with our corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA. Quaker Houghton is a global publicly traded company with a unique collaborative culture that supports career growth for its associates.

About the Role

As a Business Development Manager - Fluid Intelligence™ Solutions (DACH) , you will play a key role in driving the growth of one of Quaker Houghton's most exciting and strategic business areas. Fluid Intelligence™ combines innovative equipment, digital technologies, and engineered solutions to help customers optimize performance, improve productivity, and make data-driven decisions.

This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing area of the business that represents a significant part of Quaker Houghton's future growth strategy. You will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, managing complex customer projects, and acting as a trusted advisor to customers throughout the full solution lifecycle, from initial site surveys and solution development through implementation, commissioning, and ongoing support.

Working closely with Sales, Key Account Management, Engineering, Marketing, IT, and EHS teams, you will help customers solve real operational challenges while contributing to the continued expansion of our Fluid Intelligence™ offering across the DACH region.

Join the team and unlock your potential!

Why join Fluid Intelligence™?

• Join one of Quaker Houghton's fastest-growing and most strategically important areas of innovation and business growth.
• Work at the intersection of industrial expertise, digital innovation, and customer transformation
• Help shape the future of industrial fluid management through technologies and services that differentiate Quaker Houghton in the marketplace
• Join a collaborative global team with significant opportunities for professional growth and development
• Play a visible role in expanding a business area with strong investment, momentum, and long-term growth potential

For more information, visit QH FLUID INTELLIGENCE™ - Measure, Control, Optimize.

What will you do?

• Develop and execute strategic business plans to grow Fluid Intelligence™ equipment and engineered solutions across DACH.
• Build, manage, and maintain a robust CRM pipeline, ensuring all opportunities are accurately tracked from lead generation through project completion
• Identify new business opportunities across targeted market segments and geographies, working closely with Segment Leaders and Key Account Managers
• Support regional sales teams in utilizing Fluid Intelligence™ solutions to drive fluid sales growth and customer value
• Conduct customer site audits and surveys to determine suitable equipment solutions and installation requirements
• Prepare and deliver customer presentations, proposals, commercial offers, and value-based business cases that demonstrate the benefits of Quaker Houghton's Fluid Intelligence™ solutions
• Manage projects from concept through execution, including planning, approvals, implementation, customer training, commissioning, and handover
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery while meeting customer and internal expectations
• Provide technical support during equipment installation, troubleshooting, commissioning, and post-installation activities
• Develop customer success stories and case studies to demonstrate the value delivered through completed projects
• Collaborate with third-party equipment suppliers to identify innovative solutions and explore new market opportunities
• Monitor industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to support business growth and innovation
• Represent Quaker Houghton at industry conferences, customer events, and trade shows
• Maintain regular engagement with regional commercial leadership teams to ensure alignment on strategy, opportunities, and project progress

What are we looking for?

• Relevant experience in business development, technical sales, project management, application support, or another customer-facing role within an industrial, manufacturing, or related technical environment.
• Experience within industrial manufacturing, process industries, technical applications, or related environments, combined with a strong understanding of industrial operations and customer processes.
• Experience working within a commercial organization and managing opportunities through a structured sales process
• Proven ability to identify, develop, and close complex business opportunities
• Experience managing customer projects from initial concept through implementation and commercial delivery
• Strong understanding of solution selling and value-based sales methodologies
• Experience using CRM systems to manage complex opportunities and projects from lead generation through execution, with a disciplined approach to pipeline management and forecasting.
• Technical aptitude and application knowledge, with the ability to understand customer processes, investigate issues, and provide practical solutions
• Experience supporting equipment installations, commissioning activities, troubleshooting, or technical project implementation is highly desirable
• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Ability to translate technical concepts into compelling customer value propositions and business cases
• Experience managing customer expectations and navigating challenging situations with professionalism and composure
• Professional proficiency in German and English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Industrial fluids, manufacturing technologies, process equipment, or related industry experience would be advantageous

This is a field-based role covering the DACH region, with extensive travel to customer sites, Quaker Houghton locations, and industry events (approximately 75% of the time).

Key skills and attributes

• Motivated by achieving business goals and delivering sustainable growth.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose issues and identify practical solutions
• Ability to think quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced and challenging situations
• Resilient and adaptable when managing customer issues, changing priorities, and project challenges
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Hands-on troubleshooting mindset with the ability to remain effective under pressure and resolve technical and commercial challenges
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
• Able to balance strategic thinking with commercial awareness and customer needs.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Collaborative team player who can effectively work across multiple functions and regions
• Commitment to safety, reflecting our core values

What do we offer?

• Company car, fuel card, phone, laptop, and all necessary equipment for remote working
• 30 days of annual paid leave
• Global Giving initiative, offering paid volunteering leave to support a cause of your choice
• Access to QH University (500+ learning programs) and career development opportunities
• Colleague Resource Groups, wellbeing programs, and employee-led initiatives that foster an inclusive and engaged workplace
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and recognition programs, including Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE employee resource groups, as well as Global Giving and Impact Awards

About Us

We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.

Our values : Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with Integrity.

Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.

Join the team and find your future!

EEO: Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.