Business Development Manager

Our client is a growing contract manufacturer specializing in precision metal fabrication, stamping, welding, and complex assemblies. They are seeking a quota-carrying Business Development Manager to drive new business across the critical infrastructure, data center, and aerospace markets. This is a hunter-focused role responsible for building a pipeline, developing OEM and Tier supplier relationships, and leading opportunities from initial engagement through production launch. Key Responsibilities Own and achieve an annual new-business sales quota. Develop and execute a business development plan targeting critical infrastructure, data center, and aerospace customers. Build a qualified pipeline through prospecting, networking, industry relationships, and targeted outreach. Develop relationships with engineering, sourcing, program management, operations, and executive decision-makers. Position the company’s precision fabrication, stamping, welding, and complex assembly capabilities around customer design, quality, cost, and production requirements. Lead opportunities from initial qualification and RFQ through quotation, negotiation, contract award, and production handoff. Maintain accurate pipeline, revenue forecasts, activity metrics, and account plans. Review customer drawings, specifications, volumes, and program requirements with engineering and operations to develop manufacturable solutions. Work with engineering, quality, operations, and supply chain to confirm capability, capacity, lead times, and launch readiness. Serve as the primary customer contact during new product introduction and ensure a smooth transition into production and account management. Represent the company at relevant industry events, trade shows, and customer meetings. Requirements 5+ years of quota based business development or technical sales experience in contract manufacturing. Documented success meeting or exceeding new-business sales quotas. Experience winning business in critical infrastructure, data centers, aerospace, or related markets. Knowledge of precision sheet metal fabrication, stamping, welding, or complex assemblies. Experience managing opportunities from prospecting through quotation, negotiation, award, and program launch. Ability to understand customer drawings, specifications, quality requirements, and production volumes. Experience with ERP or MRP systems, quoting, sales forecasting, and pipeline management. Strong presentation, negotiation, communication, and relationship-development skills. Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent industry experience considered. Ability to meet applicable export-control requirements when required. Gradel Pro Search (GPS) is an Industrial Search and Recruiting Services firm partnering with manufacturing, aerospace & defense, engineered products, chemicals, and industrial organizations to identify and align talent with critical business objectives. Relationships. Guidance. Success. We work with Fortune 500 companies, global enterprises, private equity-backed organizations, and growth-oriented manufacturers, navigating hiring across complex operational and technical environments.