Business Development Manager - Manufacturing #0209

Job Description

Job Description

Our client is a long-established Swiss manufacturer of electro-mechanical components supplying global markets in the device and machinery sectors. Since launching its US operation in 2009, the subsidiary has delivered consistent, above-average growth and continues to benefit from a steady stream of innovative, uniquely positioned products that fuel further expansion.

We are now searching on their behalf for a CEO & Business Development Manager to head up the US arm of the business. Reporting into the Swiss headquarters, the appointee will take complete ownership of commercial activity across the US, Canada, and Mexico, while running day-to-day operations, managing the financial performance of the entity, and leading a dedicated team of three.

Responsibilities

Stepping into this role, you will be the engine behind the next chapter of the company's North American story. The remit covers the full sweep of business development, strategic stewardship of the US entity, oversight of every operational area, and ultimate accountability for results and the creation of lasting value. Principal areas of focus are as follows:

• Strategic Planning: Articulate and execute the US vision, mission, and longer-term roadmap. Bring the team together around clear priorities and keep the board, shareholders, and stakeholders informed of progress.
• Operations & Cross-Functional Coordination: Keep an eye on performance right across the business, taking in sales, marketing, product, and finance, and partner closely with colleagues at headquarters across R&D, Engineering, Product Management, Finance, and Quality.
• Marketing & Market Intelligence: Maintain a clean, reliable CRM pipeline and accurate forecasts. Prepare account performance reviews and business updates. Keep tabs on competitors, sector trends, and evolving customer needs to inform pricing and product choices.
• Growth & Business Development: Uncover and pursue fresh opportunities in untapped markets and applications. Craft go-to-market plans, roll out new products, and form strategic partnerships with channel allies. Fly the flag at relevant trade fairs and industry gatherings.
• Key Account Management: Develop senior-level connections within major customer organizations. Step in as the escalation point on account matters and marshal the right internal teams to address problems quickly.
• Sales & Commercial Leadership: Take charge of commercial negotiations, contract renewals, and proposal work. Bring home new business and feed customer insight back into the organization to influence product and service decisions.
• Financial Management: Carry full P&L responsibility along with budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting, working side by side with the CFO based at the Swiss head office.
• Leadership & Culture: Recruit, coach, and guide the team. Set expectations around culture, values, and performance, and lead the way on inclusion and ethical conduct throughout the company.
• Technical Support & Troubleshooting: Roll up your sleeves and lend a hand on electronic and mechanical product queries and troubleshooting as the situation calls for it.

Requirements

Essential

• A bachelor's or college degree combined with at least 10 years of professional experience
• Solid command of negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building
• Working knowledge of CRM tools, enterprise sales processes, and Microsoft Office
• At least 7 years of sales experience in a Key Account Manager, Business Development Manager, or Area Sales Manager capacity
• A clear record of sourcing and closing deals while consistently meeting revenue and earnings goals
• Comfortable engaging with stakeholders at every organizational level
• Open to building on the structures, processes, and team rhythms already established
• Able to travel 20%+, with 2 to 3 trips per year over to the Swiss head office
• Holder of a valid driver's license
• Either based in Hagerstown, MD or prepared to relocate there
• Professional fluency in English

Preferred

• A degree in Mechatronic Engineering or a similar technical area
• Some experience guiding or coordinating a small team
• A background that blends marketing, business administration, or both commercial and technical disciplines
• A history of consultative selling of technical components to device and machinery manufacturers
• Genuine technical depth on the product side
• A warm, accessible manner that puts employees at ease and supports collaboration as equals

Benefits

• A starting salary of between $140,000 and $150,000
• Eleven paid federal holidays each year
• A performance-driven management bonus connected to company profitability against the agreed budget
• Employer contribution of 75% toward health insurance premiums
• Relocation support on offer where needed
• A company car (electric or hybrid), available for personal use too

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit

Executive Recruiters United States: Leading Executive Search and Headhunting Firm in the USA