Business Development Manager

Position Overview

We are looking for a Business Development Manager to drive new customer acquisition within a designated industry sector. This full-time role based in the Ruhr Region entails hunting for new business by identifying, initiating contact, and qualifying prospects. You will act as the primary contact to open doors to potential clients currently not partnered with HAHN Automation Group and build early-stage relationships with key decision-makers, influencers, and technical stakeholders.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and research potential customers using varied sources and qualify leads diligently.
• Work closely with Marketing to plan and execute targeted campaigns aimed at lead generation.
• Manage lead conversion from inquiry to Request for Quotation (RFQ) and oversee the L2Q process.
• Maintain comprehensive and precise records of all lead activities within the CRM system.
• Formulate customer offers with focus on pricing, negotiation, and legal and commercial compliance, coordinating with Application Engineers as needed.
• Ensure smooth transition of accounts to Account Managers after receipt of initial Purchase Orders (POs).
• Collaborate with Regional leadership to define new markets and business fields aligning with regional strategy and develop go-to-market strategies including value propositions and messaging.
• Identify strategic partnerships to accelerate market access and broaden reach.
• Conduct market analysis to determine trends, key players, industry standards, and regulatory considerations relevant to factory automation.
• Provide insights and intelligence on market and customers to Account Managers for effective client engagement.
• Travel will be necessary, including overnight trips both domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a closely related discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' proven success in business development or technical sales, preferably within automation, industrial equipment, capital equipment, or manufacturing sectors.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Consistent track record of new business acquisition through proactive prospecting and hunting mentality.
• Expertise in complex B2B sales processes including lead qualification, proposal development, negotiation, and closing deals.
• Ability to establish and nurture strategic relationships with executives, technical teams, and decision-makers.
• Strong commercial acumen in pricing strategy, contract negotiation, and customer proposal management.
• Adept at understanding technical customer challenges and collaborating with Engineering teams to deliver solution-oriented offers.
• Experience in market research, competitor analysis, and identifying growth opportunities supporting strategic business development.
• Proven collaboration skills across Marketing, Engineering, Applications, and Account Management teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and multi-tasking abilities; proficient in CRM use to maintain accurate sales pipeline data.
• Motivated, results-driven professional with integrity and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-moving environment.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to safely operate in a manufacturing environment, including bending, stooping, climbing, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Capability to move around restricted areas of manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain professional appearance and hygiene standards.
• Perform business communications over the phone and prepare documents in noisy settings.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Possess a valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and be authorized to work in the United States without restrictions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Options for Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Coverage including accident, critical illness, short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits.