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Business Development Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Business Development Manager (Manufacturing Industry)
Pay: $130,000+ (+ commission and employee benefits)
Location: St. Louis, MO (50%+ overnight travel required)
Position Overview:
We are seeking a results-driven Business Development Manager to lead strategic growth across the Eastern United States. This role involves building long-term relationships with aerospace and defense manufacturers, guiding complex quoting opportunities, and serving as a trusted partner to customers with demanding quality and turnaround requirements.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a deep understanding of special processing, capable of thriving in a technical sales environment. They will be able to identify strategic opportunities, not just the most visible ones, and execute relationship-focused strategies that drive long-term partnerships over transactional volume.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Drive commercial sales strategies to meet or exceed quarterly and annual revenue and gross profit targets.
  • Initiate sales through diverse methods such as targeted campaigns, trade shows, and digital outreach.
  • Provide exceptional customer support to Tier 1, 2, and 3 accounts with an understanding of their supply chain needs.
  • Utilize a structured sales process to identify and close new business opportunities.
  • Deliver professional, technical presentations aligned with customer needs and product capabilities.
  • Offer sales forecasting and strategic planning input based on insights gained from customer interactions.
  • Conduct ongoing market analysis to identify trends, gather intelligence, and adjust regional strategies accordingly.
  • Evaluate prospects for strategic fit based on technical alignment, long-term potential, and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with internal Estimating, Quality, and Operations teams to ensure customer expectations align with capabilities and lead times.
  • Position special processing capabilities, industry certifications, and technical advantages as key differentiators.
  • Track and report key performance indicators such as quoting activity, conversion rates, customer retention, and revenue per account.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, metallurgy, chemistry, or equivalent experience.
  • 7-10 years of sales experience in a technical environment, with a strong record of revenue growth and margin achievement.
  • Familiarity with the aerospace and defense program lifecycle and decision-making processes.
  • Experience working with OEM and MRO markets.
  • Willingness to build technical expertise in metal finishing.
Essential Skills & Competencies:
  • High ethical standards and alignment with business mission and values.
  • Strong written and verbal communication; ability to adapt messaging to varied audiences.
  • Proven negotiation skills with a focus on creating mutual value.
  • Ability to enforce policy while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
  • Relationship management skills and organizational awareness.
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
  • Effective time and project management with attention to deadlines and priorities.
  • Proficiency with CRM tools, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), and digital prospecting platforms (LinkedIn, ZoomInfo).
  • Business acumen with a strong understanding of industry practices and trends.
  • Capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects efficiently.
Desired Behaviors:
  • High energy and a sense of urgency in achieving results.
  • Process-oriented mindset with the ability to streamline workflows.
  • Cooperative, team-focused approach.
  • Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.
  • Committed to continuous improvement and team development.
  • Positive, solutions-focused attitude.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
  • Overnight travel up to 50%+ of the time.
  • Frequent driving required to visit customer locations.
  • Office-based with periodic visits to customer production environments.
  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Physical requirements include sitting (60%), standing/walking (30%), and stooping/bending (10%).
  • Able to lift up to 10 lbs., with manual dexterity and good near vision.
  • Clear verbal communication and auditory comprehension required.
  • Must be eligible to work in an ITAR-regulated environment.
Benefits Include:
  • • Annual performance and compensation reviews, with eligibility for bonuses
  • • 401(k) plan with employer match and profit sharing
  • • Premium health insurance options, including dental and vision
  • • Company-paid and supplemental life insurance
  • • Paid holidays and accrued personal time off
  • For more details on benefits and policies, please inquire during the interview process.
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(Salary range based on experience)
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