Business Development Manager II

Thorlabs; Newton (MA); Remote; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in photonics seeks a Business Development Manager II to spearhead growth strategies in target markets. With a focus on building relationships and closing high-value opportunities, the ideal candidate must have extensive experience in sales and a strong educational background.

Benefits

Complete benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Generous PTO package

Company paid life insurance

Qualifications

• 10+ years in photonics or systems sales with a strong track record.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with sales management and lead generation tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute business development strategies.
• Identify, qualify, and close high-impact opportunities.
• Engage with key clients to build long-term relationships.

Skills

Sales process understanding

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Advanced MS Office proficiency

Motivation and creativity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, business, or related field

Tools

Sales management software

ERP/MRP systems

CRM

Job description

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Business Development Manager II leads strategic initiatives to drive growth in target photonics markets. This role spearheads high-value opportunities, shapes long-term market strategies, and mentors junior team members, while fostering deep relationships with key customers, industry stakeholders, and internal teams including sales, marketing, engineering, and leadership.

Although the position is remote, duties may occasionally be required at various Thorlabs locations.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to achieve significant revenue growth and market share in photonics-related markets, aligning with Thorlabs’ long-term objectives.
• Identify, qualify, and close complex, high-impact opportunities with key industrial clients, leveraging advanced technical and market insights.
• Engage with key industrial clients and vendors through in-person and virtual meetings to build strong, technical, long-term relationships, deeply understand their business needs, and align Thorlabs’ product offerings and services to meet those requirements.
• Connect to key applications and market segments to act as voice of the customer to internal sales, marketing and product development initiatives.
• Conduct in-depth market and competitive analysis to anticipate trends, identify emerging applications, and position Thorlabs as a market leader.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop and implement strategic plans for key account growth
• Collaborate with the Global Channel Partners Manager and Channel Partners to support global sales growth and opportunities.
• Represent Thorlabs at conferences and tradeshows and maintain an active presence in the broader photonics community.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments. The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.

Qualifications

Experience:

• 10+ years in photonics or systems sales or business development, with a proven track record of closing high-value deals and driving market growth
• Experience working with sales management and lead generation software tools

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics or business or a related field; advanced degree preferred

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Understanding of sales process and best practices - preferably within a direct, B2B inbound/outbound sales environment.
• Exhibit a high degree of motivation, energy, and creativity working in a fast-paced organization.
• Excellent communication skills and comfortable building presentations and presenting to senior leadership.
• Advanced MS Office proficiency: especially Outlook and Excel, Expert proficiency in Excel, ERP/MRP systems or CRM is highly desirable.
• Willing to constantly learn new technologies, new applications/markets, and newly developed products.
• Ability to fluently write and speak English.

Other: Travel to other entities or tradeshows <50%

The salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 D.O.E.

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.