Sr Manager, Business Development - Automotive

Overview 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.  Responsibilities 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.   Qualifications 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 sponsorships are not available  Regular attendance required  About Us 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 reimbursement   Wellness incentive program   Regular employee celebrations and events  Who We Are   Founded nearly half a century ago, Pennex continues to see rapid growth as a leading provider of quality aluminum cast products and extrusions. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities across Ohio and Pennsylvania, we’re proud to offer the capabilities and expertise to cast billet, extrude custom shapes and fabricate finished components for customers across a range of markets - including automotive, transportation, building and construction, electrical and machinery, consumer durables and distribution.    But it’s not just what we do that sets us apart, it’s how we do it. Safety. Caring. Integrity. Gr