Business Development Manager - Automation

The Foth Companies; Green Bay (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work environment

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative company culture

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm in Wisconsin seeks a Business Development Professional to build relationships with manufacturing clients. This role involves strategic planning, proposal development, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should have over 10 years of relevant experience and the ability to lead teams effectively. The position supports flexible working arrangements and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of sales, business development, and/or account management.
• 10+ years of custom automation experience within engineering or manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of leading internal cross‑functional teams via influence.

Responsibilities

• Identify high‑potential clients or projects requiring first‑of‑a‑kind solutions.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to meet revenue goals.
• Lead and support proposal development and client presentations.

Skills

Sales experience

Business development

Client relationship management

Contract negotiation

Internal cross-functional team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or engineering

Tools

CRM platforms

Job description

Base pay range

$140,000.00/yr - $170,000.00/yr

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin. With over 85 years of success, we have 700 members across 30 locations dedicated to solving our clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges. Ranked in the top 150 firms by Engineering News Record, we offer a values‑based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities.

Position Overview

Foth is seeking a Business Development Professional to identify and cultivate new relationships with manufacturing clients that require custom automation or machinery solutions. The role supports our Serial 1 Automation group, which develops first‑of‑a‑kind solutions for unique manufacturing challenges. The position is based remotely in the Midwest or at one of our offices in Green Bay, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; or Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.

Primary Responsibilities

• Identify high‑potential clients or projects requiring first‑of‑a‑kind solutions
• Influence decision‑makers across client organizations
• Develop and execute strategic and tactical plans to meet revenue goals
• Lead and support proposal development and client presentations
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting data
• Coach internal teams for upcoming client engagements
• Build Foth’s industry network and client relationships
• Support deescalation and resolution of any potential client or project conflicts
• Collaborate with other cross‑functional areas such as accounting, operations, and risk
• Travel as needed (30–50%) to support client needs and seize opportunities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or engineering; or relevant professional experience
• 10+ years of sales, business development, and/or account management
• 10+ years of custom automation experience within engineering or manufacturing environments
• 5+ years of leading internal cross‑functional teams via influence and relationship building

Required Recent Experience With The Following

• Business development experience in custom automation or machinery
• Prior experience developing revenue projections and tactical execution to achieve them
• Prior client relationship management experience
• Prior experience in contract negotiation, management and administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using social media for business development
• Familiarity with CRM platforms
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Why Foth

• Established Reputation: With over 85 years of success, we are proud to be 100% member‑owned.
• Dynamic Culture: Benefit from a values‑based, client‑centered, and flexible work environment, with ample professional growth opportunities and supportive colleagues.
• Challenging Projects: Engage in diverse and exciting projects that promote continuous professional growth and development.

All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco‑free. Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol‑Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance. Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.