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Role Description

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. This 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, big box, and ecommerce channels.
  • Support pilot launches and gather feedback from customers and internal stakeholders to refine product offerings.
• Retail Sales Team Collaboration
  • 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.
• Continuous Improvement & Sustainability
  • 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.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • 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.

Qualifications

• 5-10 plus years of work experience.
• 3 plus years of experience in Wood, Forest, or Agricultural products product development or related fields.
• Demonstrated sales experience.
• Experience collaborating with plant operations or manufacturing teams.
• Experience in retail, big box, 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 both independently and 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.

Requirements

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

Mental Demands

• 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.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K