Business Development Manager

About the Role

Okuma America Corporation is seeking a Business Development Manager to expand commercial reach by identifying growth opportunities, strengthening aftermarket offerings, and developing new business initiatives that enhance the customer experience. This collaborative role blends business strategy, market analysis, sales development, and relationship management, working closely with distributors, end users, partners, internal teams, and Okuma Japan to drive revenue growth through products and services that complement Okuma’s industry‑leading machine tool technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Business Growth: Expand Okuma’s aftermarket business by identifying and developing new revenue opportunities across services, parts, partner solutions, and strategic initiatives; analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to develop growth strategies; identify opportunities for new products, programs, and technology‑driven solutions.
• Build Strong Customer & Distributor Relationships: Serve as a key resource for distributors and end users, support sales efforts, uncover expansion opportunities, travel with distribution partners and customers to strengthen relationships, and develop proposals, presentations, and business cases that support revenue growth and customer success.
• Lead Strategic Programs & Initiatives: Partner with Marketing to execute campaigns, promotions, and business development initiatives; drive programs such as Care Kits, spare parts packages, and other aftermarket offerings; evaluate new tools, technologies, and processes that improve the customer experience and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate Across the Organization: Act as a liaison between Sales, Operations, Service Parts, Distribution, and key stakeholders; provide market insights and strategic recommendations to leadership; support continuous‑improvement initiatives while ensuring alignment with company goals and customer needs.
• Performance & Compliance: Maintain industry knowledge through networking, trade shows, training, and professional development; adhere to all company policies and safety practices while proactively identifying opportunities to add value.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Management, Marketing, or a related field (required).
• Proven track record of success in B2B sales, business development, and negotiation.
• Experience developing and executing growth strategies within manufacturing, industrial equipment, or related industries.
• Customer‑facing experience with a strong focus on relationship management and solution selling.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments, machine tools, industrial products, or technical service offerings (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities.
• Experience with sales methodologies, strategic planning, and revenue‑growth initiatives.
• Analytical skills including forecasting, budgeting, and business performance analysis.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and responsibilities.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a matrix‑style organization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build partnerships across multiple organizational levels.

Special Requirements

• Maintain OSHA safety certifications as required by job responsibilities.
• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the corporate office.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% to 75% to support distributors, customers, industry events, and business‑development initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive bonus opportunities.
• Pension and 401(k) plans.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company‑paid disability insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Parental leave.
• Flexible scheduling options.

The Okuma Difference

Okuma is a world‑leading manufacturer of CNC machine tools that invests in advanced technology, employee development, and strong customer relationships. Team members enjoy a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and professional growth. Joining Okuma means contributing to strategic growth initiatives, expanding expertise, and making a meaningful impact on the future of manufacturing while working in a culture that values excellence, teamwork, integrity, and a commitment to helping customers succeed.