Business Development Manager - Industrial

Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.; Loves Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 114,400 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plus 3% match

Profit sharing

Paid Vacation & Leave

Telecommuting options

Job summary

Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc. is searching for a Business Development Manager to lead the growth in the food & beverage, protein processing, and dairy markets. You will focus on selling treatment technologies and solutions tailored for industrial water and wastewater operations. The role requires a proven sales background and strong relationships across plant and corporate levels.

This remote position necessitates up to 70% travel to customer sites and events, making it ideal for self-motivated individuals who thrive in independent work environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of sales experience in food & beverage, protein processing, or dairy industries.
• Established network of contacts at multiple organizational levels.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan targeting food & beverage industries.
• Manage the full sales cycle from prospecting to contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Skills

Sales experience in food & beverage industry

Strong communication skills

Relationship building

Consultative selling skills

Technical understanding

Tools

MS Office

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Business Development Manager - Industrial

Loves Park, IL, US

Salary Range: $114,400 - $150,000 Annually

Reports to: Director of Industrial Business

Exempt (FLSA Status)

SUMMARY

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth within the food & beverage, protein processing, and dairy markets. This role focuses on selling treatment technologies, equipment, and solutions that support industrial water and wastewater operations. Candidates must have a proven track record of selling into these industries and possess strong existing relationships at the plant, corporate, and engineering/design levels.

This is a remote position with significant travel—up to 70%—to customer sites, industry events, and internal meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan targeting food & beverage, protein, and dairy facilities.
• Leverage existing industry contacts to identify opportunities and accelerate market penetration.
• Build and maintain relationships with plant management, corporate leadership, engineering firms, and design consultants.
• Understand customer operational challenges and align them with appropriate water and wastewater solutions.
• Manage the full sales cycle, including prospecting, presentations, proposals, and contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, applications, and project teams to ensure accurate scoping and successful project delivery.
• Track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies within assigned industries.
• Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and customer events.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, forecasts, and activity reports.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be computer literate and be knowledgeable of MS Office software. Travel is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibilities listed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOCATION

Usual office working conditions with moderate noise such as computers and printers, telephones and copy machines.

Remote role based anywhere within the U.S.

Frequent travel to customer sites, corporate offices, and industry events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3–5 years of sales experience in food & beverage, protein processing, or dairy industries.
• Proven track record of sales success in the target markets.
• Established network of contacts at multiple organizational levels (plant, corporate, engineering/design).
• Strong consultative selling skills with the ability to understand technical and operational needs.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship building abilities.
• Self-motivated, organized, and comfortable working independently in a remote environment.
• Ability to travel up to 70%.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience selling capital equipment, industrial systems, or process related technologies.
• Familiarity with water treatment, wastewater processes, or environmental compliance.
• Background working with engineering firms, EPCs, or design build contractors.

CUSTOMERS

Internal - 50% External - 50%

Benefits Include

Medical (prescription coverage included), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, Long term Disability, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Business Travel Insurance, Paid Parental Leave, Medical Flex, Dependent Care Flex, Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, 401k plus 3% match– both pretax and post, Profit sharing, Bonus, Summer Hours, Paid Christmas Shutdown, Paid Volunteer Hours, Vacation & Paid Leave for All Workers, Vacation Purchase Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Telecommuting up to 2 days a week, Flex work schedule, Identity Theft Protection.