Business Development Rep - Product Innovation

Business Development Rep - Product Innovation

Business Development Representative - Product Innovation

AHF Products is seeking a proactive Business Development Representative (BDR) to drive innovation by developing new products and markets for scrap and byproducts generated at our manufacturing plants. This role is ideal for early-career professionals passionate about sustainability, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration. The BDR - Product Innovation will be in sales and work closely with R&D and plant teams to identify opportunities, evaluate material streams, and develop commercially viable products.

The is a remote position, preferably located in the Eastern US and close to a major airport.

JOB DUTIES:

Product Development & Plant Collaboration

• Partner with plant operations teams to evaluate scrap and byproduct streams, identifying materials suitable for new product development.
• Research similar products in the market to inform product design and positioning.
• Help develop prototypes, working hands‑on with plant teams and technical staff.
• Document and communicate technical requirements, production processes, and quality standards for new products.

Commercialization & Go-to-Market Strategy

• Develop and present business cases and commercialization plans for new products, including pricing, positioning, and sales channels.
• Work with sales, marketing, and product management to determine where and how to sell new products, including evaluating opportunities in retail, bigbox, and ecommerce channels.
• Support pilot launches and gather feedback from customers and internal stakeholders to refine product offerings.
• Collaborate with existing retail sales teams to leverage their relationships and gain access to current customers for new product introductions.
• Coordinate with sales teams to ensure alignment on product messaging and customer engagement strategies.
• Identify process improvements to maximize scrap and byproduct utilization, reduce waste, and enhance plant efficiency.
• Track and report on key metrics related to scrap reuse, product development progress, and revenue generation from new products.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability initiatives, resource efficiency, or circular economy practices.
• Facilitate communication between plant teams, product development, and commercial teams to ensure alignment and successful project execution.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to leadership on project status, opportunities, and challenges.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1–3 years of experience in Wood, Forest, or Agricultural products product development or related fields.
• Experience collaborating with plant operations or manufacturing teams preferred.
• Experience in retail, bigbox, or ecommerce channels is a plus, but not required.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; able to work cross‑functionally.
• Self‑starter with entrepreneurial mindset and a passion for sustainability.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Homebase in Eastern US close to a major airport is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in plant environments, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent travel to manufacturing sites and customer locations.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Analytical thinking, decision‑making, and creative problem‑solving.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Regular and punctual attendance.
• Operate independently to identify opportunities, negotiate agreements, and manage client relationships without reliance on a team‑based sales model.

TRAVEL:

• Approximately 50-75% travel required for plant visits, research, training, and customer meetings to build the markets.

AHF PRODUCTS
:

AHF Products provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability…