Job Description

JSP is a global leader in advanced expanded bead foam technologies, specializing in expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), and other engineered lightweight materials. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, JSP operates manufacturing facilities, technical centers, and sales offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, serving customers in more than 50 countries.

For more than 60 years, JSP has developed innovative material solutions that improve product performance, enhance safety, reduce weight, and support sustainability. Our flagship expanded polypropylene (EPP) product, ARPRO®, is recognized worldwide for its exceptional strength, energy absorption, thermal insulation, and recyclability.

Serving industries including automotive, HVAC, construction, packaging, consumer products, healthcare, and infrastructure, JSP continues to grow through innovation, strategic partnerships, and investment in advanced technologies. Our North American operations work closely with global teams to develop new products, technologies, and business opportunities that shape the future of our industry.

New Market Development

JSP is seeking a highly analytical, innovative, and results-oriented New Market Development Specialist to identify, evaluate, and develop new market opportunities that support the company's long-term growth strategy throughout North America.

Working closely with Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Research & Development, and JSP's global New Business Development teams, this role will identify emerging applications, evaluate market potential, develop commercialization strategies, and help expand JSP's technologies into new industries and customer segments.

In addition to developing new markets, this position will support JSP's strategic growth initiatives by identifying and evaluating potential acquisition targets, strategic partners, licensing opportunities, and emerging technologies that complement the company's long-term business objectives. The Senior New Market Development Specialist will serve as a strategic resource to North American and global leadership by transforming market intelligence into actionable business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and develop new markets, applications, and customer segments for JSP's engineered materials and technologies.
• Develop strategies to expand the company's presence into emerging industries while diversifying existing business.
• Identify prospective customers and new business opportunities that align with JSP's long-term growth strategy.
• Collaborate with regional and global business development teams to execute strategic growth initiatives.

Market Research & Competitive Analysis

• Conduct market research to identify industry trends, customer needs, emerging technologies, and competitive products.
• Analyze market size, growth potential, competitive positioning, and barriers to entry.
• Monitor market developments and recommend opportunities for new product applications, market expansion, and strategic investments.
• Develop and maintain market intelligence reports to support executive decision-making.

Strategic Growth & Acquisition Support

• Identify and research companies that may represent potential acquisition, joint venture, licensing, or strategic partnership opportunities for JSP.
• Prepare market assessments and preliminary evaluations of acquisition candidates and strategic partners.
• Support due diligence activities by gathering market intelligence, competitive information, and commercial insights.
• Collaborate with JSP Japan and global leadership to evaluate strategic investment opportunities aligned with the company's long-term growth objectives.

Business Planning & Commercialization

• Develop business cases, market entry strategies, commercialization plans, and financial forecasts for new opportunities.
• Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate the commercial viability of new products, applications, and strategic investments.
• Present recommendations, business cases, and market analyses to executive leadership.
• Support product launches and commercialization efforts by coordinating with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Operations, and R&D.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management

• Lead and coordinate new market development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Sales, Finance, Marketing, and R&D to successfully launch new business opportunities.
• Prepare executive presentations, strategic proposals, project updates, and management reports.
• Track project milestones, schedules, budgets, and action items while facilitating communication across cross-functional and global teams.
• Participate in regular meetings with JSP's international New Business Development organization.

Why Join JSP?

At JSP, you'll help shape the future of our business by identifying new applications, industries, technologies, and strategic growth opportunities for our innovative materials. You'll work alongside talented colleagues across North America and around the world while making a direct impact on the company's long-term growth strategy.

If you enjoy exploring emerging markets, solving complex business challenges, building strategic partnerships, and helping transform innovative ideas into commercially successful businesses, we encourage you to apply.

Location: Detroit, Michigan, or Wayne, Pennsylvania area preferred

Travel: Approximately 25–40% domestic and international travel

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Materials Science, Finance, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in business development, market development, product management, technical sales, strategic planning, or a related role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and developing new markets or commercializing new products.
• Strong analytical, business planning, and market research skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and business analytics tools.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively across multiple functions in a global organization.

Preferred

• MBA or other advanced business degree.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or licensing opportunities.
• Knowledge of engineered materials, polymers, automotive, industrial manufacturing, packaging, construction, or related industries.
• Familiarity with financial analysis, commercialization processes, intellectual property considerations, and commercial agreements.
• Experience working with international teams and global product launches.

What we’re looking for

• A passion for identifying new business opportunities and developing emerging markets.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A customer-focused mindset with the ability to understand technical products and translate them into commercial opportunities.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Initiative, intellectual curiosity, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• The ability to influence, collaborate, and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
• A desire to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, global environment.

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