Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Superior Trim - Findlay, Ohio

Position Summary

Superior Trim is seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead strategic growth initiatives across new and existing markets. This individual will be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities, establishing strategic partnerships, evaluating emerging markets and technologies, and driving the commercialization of products and manufacturing capabilities.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong manufacturing background, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a proven ability to develop growth strategies that align with operational capabilities. This role will work closely with executive leadership, sales, operations, engineering, purchasing, and plant management to create and execute long-term business growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Market Development

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize new market opportunities that align with Superior Trim's manufacturing capabilities.
• Develop growth strategies for target industries including transportation, seating, furniture, recreational vehicles, marine, aerospace, retail products, construction, agriculture, and consumer goods.
• Analyze market trends, competitive activity, customer needs, and industry developments.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year commercialization roadmap with measurable revenue objectives.
• Challenge conventional thinking and drive innovative growth initiatives throughout the organization.

New Business Acquisition

• Identify and pursue new customers, programs, strategic accounts, and revenue opportunities.
• Lead prospecting efforts from initial contact through business award and launch.
• Coordinate proposal development, quotations, business cases, and commercial negotiations.
• Represent Superior Trim at industry events, trade shows, supplier meetings, and customer visits.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and strengthen relationships with customers, suppliers, manufacturers' representatives, industry associations, and strategic partners.
• Leverage supplier partnerships to identify collaborative growth opportunities and new market access.
• Work closely with key suppliers and technology partners to evaluate innovative materials, manufacturing processes, and products.
• Create partnerships that expand Superior Trim's capabilities and competitive advantages.

Product Commercialization & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to develop proprietary products and new revenue streams.
• Evaluate retail and direct-to-consumer opportunities that leverage existing manufacturing assets.
• Support product validation, market testing, and commercialization efforts.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to move opportunities from concept through production.

Manufacturing Growth Initiatives

• Assess emerging technologies and manufacturing processes for strategic fit and growth potential.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Tooling, and Purchasing teams to evaluate capital investment opportunities.
• Support business case development for new equipment, tooling, manufacturing capabilities, and capacity expansion projects.
• Ensure growth opportunities align with operational capabilities and profitability objectives.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Work closely with executive leadership to establish business development priorities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor regarding market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities.
• Facilitate collaboration among Sales, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Manufacturing teams.
• Build organizational alignment around growth initiatives and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of business development, sales, account management, product commercialization, or strategic growth experience within manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success identifying and developing new business opportunities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chains, and industrial operations.
• Experience developing and executing strategic growth plans.
• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 25-40%.

Preferred

• Experience in automotive, transportation, seating, furniture, aerospace, marine, recreational vehicle, or industrial manufacturing markets.
• Knowledge of foam molding, thermoforming, cut-and-sew, upholstery, plastics processing, tooling, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and strategic manufacturing partners.
• MBA or advanced business education.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Relationship Building
• Market Analysis
• Influence & Collaboration
• Negotiation
• Communication
• Product Commercialization
• Financial Analysis
• Project Leadership
• Innovation & Creativity

Success Measures

Successful candidates will

• Develop qualified opportunities in targeted growth markets.
• Establish new strategic customer and supplier relationships.
• Increase annual revenue through new business development initiatives.
• Successfully commercialize new products and manufacturing capabilities.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of growth opportunities aligned with Superior Trim's strategic objectives.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentive program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays