Metal Finishing Sales Development Specialist

Capron Manufacturing Co; Capron (IL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Capron Manufacturing Co is looking for a New Sales Development Specialist to grow its customer base in advanced surface finishing solutions from its Capron, IL office. This role requires 3–7 years of technical sales experience, with a strong understanding of surface finishing processes. Responsibilities include developing relationships with OEMs, identifying business opportunities, and preparing technical proposals.

The position offers a competitive salary with commission, health insurance, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years in technical sales, preferably in metal finishing or coatings.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience working with OEM programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with OEMs and industrial manufacturers.
• Identify new business opportunities for surface finishing solutions.
• Prepare technical proposals and cost breakdowns.

Skills

Technical sales expertise

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

We are seeking a results-driven New Sales Development Specialist to support and grow our customer base in advanced surface finishing solutions, including nickel plating, porcelain enamel coating, and electropolishing. This role blends technical expertise with sales strategy—working closely with OEMs, engineers, and procurement teams to deliver high-performance, cost-effective finishing solutions. The ideal candidate will be personable, energetic, and commercially savvy, with a strong understanding of the metal finishing industry. The candidate should have experience in customer-facing roles, particularly workin gwith buyers/procurers. Anticipated travel via air/car ~1-3 days per week.

Duties

• Develop and manage relationships with OEMs, Tier suppliers, and industrial manufacturers
• Identify new business opportunities for nickel plating (functional & decorative), Porcelain enamel coatings (high-heat, corrosion-resistant applications), and Electropolishing (precision finishing for stainless and specialty alloys)
• Collaborate with customers’ engineering and design teams to recommend optimal finishing processes
• Review drawings, specs, and RFQs to ensure manufacturability and alignment with capabilities
• Prepare and present technical proposals, quotes, and cost breakdowns
• Act as the liaison between customer and internal teams (engineering, production, quality)
• Support new product launches, sampling, and validation processes
• Track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging finishing technologies
• Maintain CRM pipeline and meet sales targets

Experience

• 3–7+ years in technical sales, metal finishing, coatings, or related manufacturing
• Strong understanding of surface finishing processes (plating, coating, polishing) and Metals and material behavior (steel, stainless, alloys)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
• Experience working with OEM programs and production environments
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

• Background in: Appliance, Furniture, HVAC, Medical, or Industrial components
• Familiarity with corrosion resistance standards (ASTM, ISO), Cosmetic vs. functional surface requirements, and High-volume production and cost modeling
• Technical aptitude with a consultative sales approach
• Ability to translate complex processes into clear customer value
• Strong project management and follow-through
• Self-motivated with a hunter mentality for new business

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary + commission structure
• Opportunity to work with a vertically integrated finishing operation
• Exposure to diverse industries and engineered applications

Typical Applications You’ll Support

• Appliance components (racks, cavities, structural parts)
• Food equipment and sanitary stainless assemblies
• Furniture and industrial hardware
• High-temperature and corrosion-resistant components
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Capron, IL 61012