Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager – Manufacturing / Packaging

Location: Central Office / Hybrid

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to act as a bridge between sales, operations, and technical teams in a manufacturing or packaging environment. This role supports new business development, manages pricing and bids, oversees customer programs, and ensures operational excellence in delivering products and services to clients. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, understands both the commercial and operational sides of manufacturing, and can lead cross-functional initiatives to drive growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all pricing and bid activities, including analysis, review meetings, trial pricing, and bid submissions.

• Partner with sales, technical, and operations teams to support the New Business Opportunity (NBO) process and customer engagement.

• Participate in annual sales budgeting and planning.

• Review, negotiate, and approve customer contracts.

• Oversee and manage key accounts, brokers, and commission structures.

• Identify and develop new business opportunities, both with new customers and within existing accounts.

• Establish and support competitive pricing strategies aligned with market trends and company goals.

• Evaluate opportunities to ensure alignment with company strategy, capabilities, and profitability goals.

• Manage the sales/customer service function, including handling complaints, rework issues, and term-of-sale concerns.

• Coordinate product development efforts, including trials, “ready dates,” and customer approval of new products.

• Follow up on sales opportunities to analyze wins/losses, market trends, and customer feedback.

• Support operations in customer presentations and educate the sales force on market influences such as competitor activity, raw material costs, and emerging technologies.

• Assist purchasing teams in evaluating raw material pricing, volume incentives, and market competitiveness.

• Travel as needed to support business development and customer relationships.

• Directly supervise pricing and customer service teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; relevant work experience may substitute for education in certain cases.

• 5–7+ years of experience in business development, sales support, or commercial operations in a manufacturing or packaging environment.

• Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.

• Demonstrated experience managing pricing, bids, and contract negotiations.

• Proven ability to identify and develop new business opportunities.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, conduct cost analysis, and support strategic decision-making.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; capable of influencing internal teams and external clients.

• Supervisory experience preferred, including managing cross-functional teams.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset

• Strong negotiation and influencing abilities

• Analytical and detail-oriented

• Cross-functional collaboration skills

• Customer-focused with problem-solving aptitude

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with moderate noise typical of a manufacturing/operations environment

• Occasional travel required

• Standard physical activities including sitting, standing, walking, and reaching