Sr Manager, Business Development - Automotive

Pennex; Leetonia (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with matching contribution

Generous paid vacation and holidays

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Ongoing training and professional development

Career growth opportunities

Relocation may be available

Job summary

Pennex is seeking a Sr. Manager, Business Development – Automotive in Leetonia, OH. The role involves driving growth in value-added sales primarily within the automotive sector, requiring deep knowledge of metal sales and effective customer engagement strategies. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, 8 years of relevant experience preferably in aluminum extrusion, and excellent communication and negotiation skills. A competitive salary and benefits, including medical insurance and a 401(k), are offered.

Qualifications

• 8 years of related experience in metal sales (aluminum extrusion preferred).
• Strong background and knowledge of aluminum extrusion fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic initiatives for growth in automotive value-added sales.
• Collaborate with VP of Sales to implement growth targets.
• Manage customer relationships from quote to production startup.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strategic planning skills

Technical aptitude

Proficiency in computer operations

Interpersonal and negotiation skills

Ability to analyze business documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Consider joining the Pennex family as a Sr. Manager, Business Development – Automotive in our Leetonia, OH location. The Senior Business Development Manager (Sr. BDM) is responsible for driving Pennex’s strategic initiative to expand value‑added sales in the automotive and select commercial markets. This role emphasizes growth in key sectors, including major OEMs in specific automotive segments.

Responsibilities

Market Focus

• Allocate approximately 75% of efforts to expanding automotive value‑added markets, and 25% to commercial value‑added markets in alignment with the automotive sales strategy.

Sales Development and Customer Engagement

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Sales to implement a sales plan that meets growth targets and establishes new value‑added business opportunities across the United States.
• Actively engage new customers, develop a customer engagement plan, showcase Pennex’s capabilities, and manage the quoting process with timely follow‑ups to meet customer needs.
• Attract and onboard new extrusion and value‑added customers aligned with Pennex’s Long‑Range Plan (LRP) and strategic initiatives.

Account Management

• Oversee all customer activities from request for quote through purchase order management, customer setup, die trials, and production start‑up. Ensure proper execution of internal APQP processes, material qualifications, and engineering validation.
• Serve as a liaison between customers and internal Pennex teams, fostering strong working relationships across departments.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Participate in Manufacturing Leadership Team meetings, reporting on business development activities and quote performance.
• Work with the Marketing Group to create supporting collateral and lead promotional initiatives, including trade shows, product positioning, sales evaluations, and market research.

Support for Precision Engineered Products (PEP)

• Support Precision Engineered Products in becoming an automotive‑class supplier for extruded aluminum components. Collaborate on process improvements aimed at certification.
• Partner with YPEP and LPEP teams on specifications for new equipment and Capital Acquisition Requests.

Leadership

• Manage at least one team member.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 8 years of related experience in metal sales (aluminum extrusion preferred).
• Strong background and knowledge of aluminum extrusion fabrication processes, equipment, and customers.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentations.
• Strategic planning and tactical execution skills.
• Potential for growth into senior‑level responsibilities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with distributors, customers, and internal support teams.
• Demonstrated success in regional sales.
• High energy, competitive, and able to work independently.
• Proficiency in computer operations.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Technical aptitude, including blueprint reading and knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Skilled in report writing, business correspondence, and creating procedure manuals.
• Ability to respond effectively to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, and various measurements such as area, circumference, and volume.
• Reasoning skills for solving practical problems and interpreting written, oral, diagram, or schedule‑based instructions.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel 50–75% of the time.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk, hear, sit, and use hands for handling tasks.
• Occasionally required to stand and walk.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

• Exposure to moderate noise levels.
• Occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions, mechanical parts, airborne particles, chemicals, and outdoor weather.
• Must be able to pass pre‑employment physical, MVR and drug screen.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorships are not available.
• Regular attendance required.

Perks of the Job

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with matching contribution.
• Generous allotment of paid vacation and paid holidays.
• Competitive wages plus performance‑based bonus opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement.
• Relocation may be available.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome people of different backgrounds, abilities and perspectives. We never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or disability status. M X Holdings and its brands are proud to be equal opportunity employers. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Qualified applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States and not require employer‑sponsored work authorization.