Senior Business Development Manager

GENTHERM GmbH; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology firm is seeking a Senior Global Business Development Manager, Valves, in Detroit, MI. This role involves driving new business and expanding into high-potential adjacent markets beyond automotive. Responsibilities include creating and executing go-to-market strategies and establishing lighthouse customers. Ideal candidates should have over 7 years of experience in business development, particularly in valve industries, and a proven ability to scale revenue. The role also requires strong engagement with both engineers and senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in business development or technical sales.
• Experience in adjacent valve industries.
• Track record of building new business.

Responsibilities

• Hunt and win new business in adjacent markets.
• Create and execute a global go-to-market strategy.
• Establish lighthouse customers and reference wins.

Skills

Business Development

Sales Strategy

Market Penetration

Technical Sales

Job description

Impact and Opportunity

The Senior Global Business Development Manager, Valves is responsible for leading the creation of a new growth engine for Valves, expanding the company beyond its automotive core into high-potential adjacent markets. This role plays a pivotal role in driving long-term revenue, diversification, profitability, and global expansion and is set to operate with a high level of ownership and autonomy, turning proven valve technologies and engineering capabilities into new revenue streams by unlocking untapped applications. This role helps shape the company’s market direction, product evolution, and commercial strategy through direct customer engagement, delivering visible impact by securing first wins, lighthouse customers, and scalable growth platforms.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Hunt and win new business in adjacent markets, aggressively expanding beyond the automotive customer base
• Leverage existing product designs and engineering processes to accelerate market entry and customer adoption
• Help define where to play and how to win
• Identify, validate, and penetrate new segments and early customers for valve technologies
• Create and execute a global go-to-market strategy for Valves, driving opportunities across regions
• Open doors and close deals with support from the Sales team - owning the full sales cycle end-to-end
• Establish lighthouse customers and reference wins to anchor scalable growth
• Build and convert a robust pipeline into profitable revenue streams
• Partner closely with engineering to adapt and scale solutions for new applications
• Develop and expand OEM, integrator, and partner networks globally
• Act as the voice of the market, shaping product direction, pricing, and strategy

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong hunter mentality with the ability to create and close opportunities
• Proven track record of building new business and winning new customers
• 7+ years in business development or technical sales
• Background in adjacent valve industries (industrial, energy, HVAC, fluid or thermal management systems, commercial and Off-Road vehicles)
• Experience working in early-stage or growth environments
• Track record of scaling revenue in a new segment from near-zero
• Experience working closely with engineering, purchasing and other product teams
• Experience in selling technical / engineered valve solutions
• Demonstrated success in entering new markets and developing new applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial, self-driven, and highly resilient
• Strong commercial acumen with focus on profitable growth
• Able to translate technical complexity into customer value
• Effective at engaging both engineers and senior decision-makers
• Hands-on in go-to-market execution and deal closing

Travel: 25-30%

Gentherm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an inclusive culture through Our Network of Engagement (ONE) where we value our differences and work together to positively impact the lives of our employees, customers, and communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

Country/Region: US

Published: Apr 20, 2026

Nearest Major Market

Detroit

Job Segment

Automotive Sales, Business Development, Engineer, Sales, Engineering, Automotive