Business Development Manager - Transportation

Apply Job Type Full-time Description Position Summary : The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving new business growth and expanding customer relationships within the transportation market outside of light vehicle production. This role supports sales initiatives by engaging OEM and Tier 1 customers, managing key opportunities from initial specification through project execution, and collaborating closely with internal teams to deliver customer-focused solutions and sustained revenue growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : To be successful in this role, an individual must satisfactorily fulfill the following responsibilities; additional duties may be assigned as necessary. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to support individuals with disabilities in performing these essential functions. Drive new customer acquisition and expand business within the assigned transportation market and region. Lead specification and business development activities with OEM and Tier 1 customers. Manage accounts as the primary commercial and technical liaison between customers, project management, and internal teams. Identify market trends, cultivate customer relationships, and develop growth opportunities in existing and new markets. Coordinate regional and internal sales activities to support revenue growth and customer success. Manage customer inquiries, prepare quotations, and support sales-driven projects from opportunity through execution. Negotiate and finalize framework agreements and related commercial proposals. Represent the company at trade fairs, customer workshops, seminars, and other key industry events. Collaborate with Global Sales Managers and related sales representatives to support strategic account and market development efforts. Clarify technical questions with development and production teams to support customer needs and project requirements. Perform other duties as required or assigned. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may also be considered. Experience: 3–7+ years of experience in business development, sales, or account management is required, with strong preference for experience in the transportation and/or automotive industry, a proven track record working with OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, success managing customer relationships and driving revenue growth, and exposure to specification-driven sales and project-based environments. Skills/Knowledge: Strong business development and sales acumen Technical aptitude with the ability to understand and communicate product specifications and be able to prioritize “Features-Advantages-Benefits” discussions to solve customer problems Knowledge of automotive/transportation market trends and customer requirements Ability to manage complex customer relationships (commercial + technical) Strong negotiation and closing skills Project management and cross-functional coordination capabilities Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to identify growth opportunities and market trends Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) Ability to manage sales data, pipelines, and reporting tools Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP or equivalent) preferred Strong virtual communication skills (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar platforms) Working knowledge of technical product documentation and specification tools Certificates and Licenses: Certified Sales Professional (CSP) or similar certification preferred Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) preferred Industry-related certifications in automotive or technical sales are a plus No mandatory certifications required; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal credential Travel Requirements: This role requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, including regular travel to the company’s home office in Germany . Travel may be required to support business operations, cross-functional collaboration, training, customer visits, industry events, and meetings with global stakeholders. This may include driving long distances and overnight travel as required. You will be successful if you believe in our values: Respect and encourage others Continuous Learning Customer Service Teamwork Use of the most up to date technology Industry-Leading Benefits Package: Competitive Salary Four weeks of Paid Time Off annually Ten paid holidays Employer 401K and HSA Match Highly subsidized Health, Dental, Vision Insurance Company paid short/long term disability insurance and life insurance Free SC YMCA Membership If this is you, come join our team where we strive to continuously improve both products and processes with a mix of passion and pragmatism, utilizing our pioneering spirit in an entrepreneurial culture bringing unique offers to market.