Business Development Manager

Description

Job Description Summary

The Business Development Manager at Okuma America Corporation is responsible for extending Okuma’s commercial reach through driving growth and expanding business opportunities. The role will focus on strengthening existing offerings as well as the development of new initiatives in support of revenue growth and customer appeal. This is accomplished through expert market discovery, competitive analysis, analytics, and relationship-building with employees, distributors, end users, partners, Okuma Japan, and vendors. Okuma strives for this revenue to come from products and services that complement the company’s machine tools, technologies, and enhance the Customer experience, all while achieving our corporate mission.

The identification of Essential Job Functions does not display an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the related work that may be assigned to this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

• Drive aftermarket sales across Spindle Exchange, Board Repair, Okuma Services, partner products, and new commerce by serving as the technical representative to end users and distribution.
• Develop and execute marketing initiatives in partnership with Marketing, including promotions and digital campaigns.
• Lead proposal and presentation development for aftermarket business opportunities.
• Analyze competitor pricing and customer needs to shape go‑to‑market strategies that enhance the end‑user experience and drive revenue.
• Monitor industry trends and end‑user decision drivers; regularly brief management and stakeholders on insights and recommended strategies.
• Travel with distribution partners to understand the sales process and identify additional product or service opportunities.
• Maintain professional expertise through education, networking, events, trade shows, and presentations.
• Serve as liaison between Sales, Operations, and Distribution, acting as the advocate for end users and distributors.
• Identify component sales opportunities for new equipment and aftermarket needs; collaborate with Service Parts on quoting.
• Coordinate large spare‑parts package opportunities at machine sale or in the aftermarket.
• Develop the Care Kit Program by defining customer‑needed kits and internal requirements for creation, assembly, stocking, and pricing.
• Evaluate portal solutions using competitive analysis and feedback from distribution and end users.
• Assess BDO project revenue potential within the aftermarket.
• Identify AI‑driven add‑on opportunities to recommend complementary items for Service Parts orders.
• Adheres to all company employment policies and safe practices
• Performs other duties as assigned and explores opportunities to add value

Experience/Training/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business or management
• Successful track record in B2B sales and negotiation
• Working experience with sales techniques
• Manufacturing – Industry familiarity
• Customer Support / Facing experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

General:

• Must effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Proficiency with data analysis, forecasting, and budgeting
• Familiarity with working in a matrix-style management organization

Technical:

• Proficient use of PC tools, such as Outlook, Word, Excel

Communication:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as exceptional listening skills
• Exceptional ability to speak and write effectively in a business environment
• Exceptional ability to ask necessary questions
• Ability to build and maintain relationships

Math & Reasoning:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and willingness to adapt to change and take initiative

Physical and Environmental Elements

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit continuously for approximately half of the normal work shift and stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms for about half of the normal work shift
• Ability to lift and carry, push, or pull up to 15 pounds
• Ability to stoop, crouch, and reach
• Ability to talk or hear continuously
• Ability to see clearly to do all work-related tasks (clear or corrected vision at 20 inches or less)
• Finger dexterity is required frequently for over 3/4 of the normal work shift, including operating a phone, computer/ electronic equipment

Work Environment:

• Position is often performed in the office environment with standard equipment and moderate noise levels (examples: computers, printers, fax, copiers, light traffic, and phone)
• Position will often require travel by both car and plane. This role will require spending time at various customer sites, which may be subject to varying work environments
• This position may occasionally interact with the production/warehouse environment. Thus, the employee may be exposed to an open warehouse area where temperatures are subject to outdoor conditions, including cold and heat. There is exposure to various tools and equipment as well as forklift operations and corresponding noise levels

Special Requirements

• Maintain annual OSHA safety certifications as required by job duties
• Must live within a reasonable commuting distance to the corporate office
• Travel between 50% - 75%