Corporate Strategy Director / Business Development

Director, Corporate Strategy & Business Development

Remote – Anywhere in the U.S. | $150,000 | Full-Time / Direct Hire

Build the Next Growth Engine in Manufacturing

We are seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial business leader to drive new business development, strategic investments, and business expansion for an established manufacturing company.

This is an opportunity to go beyond traditional business development. You will work closely with executive leadership to identify new markets, technologies, products, strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and potential acquisitions , helping shape the company’s next stage of growth.

The company is building on its established presence in conveyor and material-handling solutions while exploring opportunities in new industries and emerging manufacturing technologies.

This position can be based anywhere in the United States , with frequent domestic travel, including travel to Memphis, Tennessee.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute strategies for new business development, market expansion, and diversification
• Identify and evaluate opportunities in new industries, markets, technologies, and product categories
• Lead business development initiatives related to industrial automation, manufacturing technology, AGVs, conveyor systems, and related technologies
• Explore and assess strategic partnerships, investments, and potential M&A opportunities
• Support investment strategy development, target company identification, financial and business due diligence, and investment/acquisition negotiations
• Lead or support technology-driven product and hardware development initiatives
• Apply Agile, Lean, and other hypothesis-driven approaches to evaluate and develop new business opportunities
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, competitive analysis, and financial evaluations
• Work directly with executive leadership to move opportunities from initial concept through evaluation and execution
• Adapt quickly to evolving business priorities and decision-making in an entrepreneurial, owner-led environment

What We’re Looking For

• Strong professional experience within manufacturing , ideally including direct exposure to factory, plant, production, or manufacturing operations
• Business development or new business creation experience in Japan and/or the United States
• Experience with Agile, Lean, or other iterative / hypothesis-driven business development methodologies
• Experience in hardware technology development, engineering-driven product development, or commercialization
• Experience or exposure to venture capital, corporate venture capital, strategic investments, or M&A
• Experience in one or more areas of the investment process, such as:
• Investment strategy
• Target identification and screening
• Due diligence
• Investment evaluation
• Deal negotiation
• Acquisition / M&A
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving entrepreneurial environment where priorities may evolve quickly
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout the United States

Language Requirement

• Japanese: Conversational level or above required
• English communication skills appropriate for a U.S.-based business environment

Particularly Relevant Industry Experience

Experience or knowledge in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Industrial automation and advanced manufacturing technology
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Material-handling and transportation systems
• Factory conveyor systems
• Control panels and related factory equipment
• Hardware and automation technology
• Emerging technologies applicable to manufacturing operations

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

The ideal candidate brings an unusual combination of manufacturing knowledge, business development experience, technology understanding, and investment mindset .

You are equally comfortable exploring a new market, evaluating a technology, building a business case, assessing an investment opportunity, and working with leadership to turn an idea into an executable growth strategy.

You’re excited by questions like:

What new industries should we enter?

Which technologies should we invest in or acquire?

How can we turn manufacturing expertise into the company’s next growth business?

If you are a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who wants to help build the next chapter of an established manufacturing company , we’d like to hear from you.

Position Details

• Compensation: $150,000+ annually , depending on experience
• Location: Remote – Anywhere in the U.S.
• Travel: Frequent domestic travel required, including Memphis, TN
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Direct Hire
• Japanese: Conversational level or above required
• Benefits: To be confirmed