[Hiring] Market Development Manager @Velcro Companies

Role Description

This is a remote position, and candidates must reside in the U.S, preferably close to Washington DC or in the Northeast region. This position requires the ability to travel up to 30%.

• Develop and execute the Government-Military growth strategy to deliver sustainable revenue growth, margin expansion, and market share gains through new application development, specification influence, product innovation through to commercialization, and strategic value-chain engagement.
• The Market Development Manager is responsible for expanding VELCRO® participation in higher-value solutions, increasing specification adoption across military programs, and improving profitability through enhanced value capture and differentiated solutions.
• Success will be measured through incremental revenue generation, gross margin improvement, specification wins, and commercialization of new applications.
• Provide Strategic Business Leadership for the Footwear & Apparel business category with a focus on military, government, law enforcement, and public safety markets.
• Own segment strategy, ensuring alignment between market opportunities, product portfolio strategy, pricing, and go-to-market priorities in partnership with sales.
• Develop and execute a multi-year Government-Military growth strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership of the Government-Military opportunity pipeline by identifying growth opportunities, driving prioritization, facilitating cross-functional support through commercialization, and monitoring opportunity progression.
• Collaborate closely with Sales Managers, who retain ownership of individual customer opportunities and revenue attainment.
• Develop deep expertise in the VELCRO® portfolio and translate market needs into portfolio strategies that drive revenue growth, margin expansion, and competitive differentiation.
• Deliver ongoing competitive intelligence and market forecasting to support strategic decision making.
• Increase participation within the value chain to capture a greater share of product value, improve pricing realization, expand and drive profitable revenue growth.
• Expand addressable market beyond apparel and uniform. Develop new applications beyond traditional uniforms/apparel expanding into equipment programs, protection, and emerging technology applications.
• Drive specification pull-through & end user engagement building direct relationships with military program offices and decision makers.
• Influence future program specifications and material selection early in the design cycle.
• Champion Innovation and Commercialization by serving as the voice of the customer.
• Leverage deep knowledge of the VELCRO® product portfolio to identify unmet needs, prioritize innovation opportunities, and accelerate commercialization.
• Serve as key liaison between operations, supply chain, R&D, and sales, ensuring alignment across functions and driving execution.
• Represent VELCRO® Brand in the Industry.
• Build industry influence through participation in trade associations, military events, technical conferences, and key industry networks.
• Prepare and distribute market intelligence and post-event trip reports summarizing key learnings, market insights, customer feedback, competitive intelligence, and recommended actions to support business growth and strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in business development, market development, strategic marketing, product management, or technical sales.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, marketing, textile engineering, or related technical or commercial discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience serving government/military/defense markets.
• Demonstrated success managing and growing a business, product line, portfolio, or customer base with annual revenue responsibility exceeding $10M.
• Demonstrated history of identifying, qualifying, and commercializing new business opportunities.
• Proven experience influencing specifications, standards, or design decisions with OEMs, government agencies, or similar.
• Strong project management experience leading cross-functional commercialization projects from concept through launch.
• Proven ability to influence decisions and build credibility with executive, technical, acquisition, and program-management stakeholders.
• Technical aptitude and subject-matter expertise in hook and loop, adhesive tapes, textiles, print-related applications, converting technologies.
• Ability to travel approximately up to 30%.
• US Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or related discipline.
• Experience with military government clothing, tactical gear, personal protection, aerospace, transportation, or soldier systems applications and textiles sector.
• Familiarity with DLA Troop Support, Natick Soldier Center, PEO Soldier, or other Department of Defense organizations to support qualification, specification, or revenue pull-through.
• Working knowledge of Berry Amendment requirements and related government compliance frameworks.
• Experience leading new product development, commercialization, and stage-gate innovation processes.

Benefits

• Medical and Prescription Coverage (HSA and HRA Options)
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Award Winning Wellness and Incentive Program
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness Insurance
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Retirement Savings Plan
• 401(k) Saving Plan with generous 5.5% Company match and Immediate Vesting
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• 13 Paid Company Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Financial Wellness Benefit – Smart Dollar®
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Employee Resource Groups
• Charitable or Educational Matching Gift Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program