Sr Manager, Business Development - Automotive

Sr. Manager, Business Development
- Automotive

Consider joining the Pennex family as a Sr. Manager, Business Development
- Automotive in our Leetonia, OH location. The Senior Business Development Manager (Sr. BDM) is responsible for driving Pennex's strategic initiative to expand value-added sales in the automotive and select commercial markets. This role emphasizes growth in key sectors, including major OEMs in specific automotive segments.

Market Focus

• Allocate approximately 75% of efforts to expanding automotive value-added markets, and 25% to commercial value-added markets in alignment with the automotive sales strategy.

Sales Development and Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Sales to implement a sales plan that meets growth targets and establishes new value-added business opportunities across the United States.
• Actively engage new customers, develop a customer engagement plan, showcase Pennex's capabilities, and manage the quoting process with timely follow-ups to meet customer needs.
• Attract and onboard new extrusion and value-added customers aligned with Pennex's Long Range Plan (LRP) and strategic initiatives.

Account Management

• Oversee all customer activities from request for quote through purchase order management, customer setup, die trials, and production start-up. Ensure proper execution of internal APQP processes, material qualifications, and engineering validation.
• Serve as a liaison between customers and internal Pennex teams, fostering strong working relationships across departments.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Participate in Manufacturing Leadership Team meetings, reporting on business development activities and quote performance.
• Work with the Marketing Group to create supporting collateral and lead promotional initiatives, including trade shows, product positioning, sales evaluations, and market research.

Support for Precision Engineered Products (PEP)

• Support Precision Engineered Products (PEP) in becoming an automotive-class supplier for extruded aluminum components. Collaborate on process improvements aimed at certifications.
• Partner with YPEP and LPEP teams on specifications for new equipment and Capital Acquisition Requests.

Leadership

• Manages at least one team member.

Other duties and responsibilities as requested/required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or equivalent experience
• 8 years of related experience in metal sales (aluminum extrusion preferred)
• Strong background and knowledge of aluminum extrusion fabrication processes, equipment and customers

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentations
• Strategic planning and tactical execution skills
• Potential for growth into senior-level responsibilities
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with distributors, customers, and internal support teams
• Demonstrated success in regional sales
• High energy, competitive, and able to work independently
• Proficiency in computer operations
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Technical aptitude, including blueprint reading and knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations
• Skilled in report writing, business correspondence, and creating procedure manuals
• Ability to respond effectively to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public
• Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, and various measurements such as area, circumference, and volume
• Reasoning skills for solving practical problems and interpreting written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to travel 50 to 75%

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk, hear, sit, and use hands for handling tasks
• Occasionally required to stand and walk
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Visual acuity including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and focus adjustment

Work Environment

• Exposure to moderate noise levels
• Occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions, mechanical parts, airborne particles, chemicals, and outdoor weather
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical, MVR and drug screen
• Must be eligible to work in the United States, visa sponsor ships are not available
• Regular attendance required

Perks of the Job

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) with matching contribution
• Generous allotment of paid vacation and paid holidays
• Competitive wages plus performance-based bonus opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement
• Relocation may be available

Why Our People Love Working Here

• Purpose-driven, friendly, open and respectful culture
• Shared core values of safety, caring, integrity and growth
• Employee discount program with hundreds of partner brands
• Up to $5000 tuition…