Business Development Representative (Technical)

Overview

GS Engineering, a division of Standex Engraving, is seeking a Business Development Representative to grow sales, forging new and positive customer relationships and outcomes.

This role will drive profitable growth through a combination of new business development, customer relationship management, technical program leadership, and launch support. The successful candidate will actively pursue new customers and opportunities while supporting existing customer programs through successful project execution and technical expertise.

This is an exciting, full-time, salaried role offering opportunities for future growth and advancement with successful performance and development.

What You'll Do

• Lead customer programs with a strong focus on exceeding customer expectations and delivering a best-in-class project management experience.
• Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities within existing and prospective customer accounts, with a focus on automotive interior trim, thermoforming, tooling applications, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Conduct proactive outreach to prospective customers through phone calls, emails, networking events, industry conferences, and customer visits to generate new sales opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective business opportunities and regularly communicate sales activity, forecasts, market trends, and competitive intelligence to leadership.
• Partner with engineering and operations teams to develop technical solutions, proposals, and quotations that address customer challenges and secure new business.
• Establish, implement, and continuously improve standards, processes, and best practices to elevate the overall customer experience.
• Manage and track project schedules accurately, ensuring timely execution and proactive communication of approvals, risks, issues, and project requirements.
• Maintain and update program tracking data within the global customer portal and SAP to ensure accurate, real-time visibility.
• Support tool trials at GS by coordinating cross-functional resources, materials, part and tool shipments, process development activities, and by addressing customer feedback and concerns.
• Support customer tool launches in the field, including on-site launch support when required, and coordinating internal teams and resources to ensure successful execution.
• Prepare quotes for service work, spare parts, and tooling opportunities in alignment with customer needs and program requirements.
• Plan, coordinate, and support customer training activities related to tools, processes, and maintenance.
• Define and maintain standards for tool documentation, maintenance manuals, and spare parts lists, and ensure all required documentation is delivered with each tool release.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience as a Journeyman Model Maker, Tool Maker, Die Maker, or Pattern Maker.
• 2-4 years experience in technical customer service, technical sales, business development, account management, or other customer-facing technical roles is strongly preferred.
• 2+ years experience with thermoplastic forming, surface texturing, or decorative film integration processes (such as IMG or Male Vacuum Forming) preferred.
• Experience generating new business opportunities, managing customer relationships, and supporting sales growth within a technical manufacturing, tooling, plastics, automotive, or related industrial environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple customer projects simultaneously while maintaining customer satisfaction, delivery commitments, and business development objectives.

What We Value

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Strong technical acumen, including hands-on familiarity with vacuum forming processes, and the ability to quickly develop deep knowledge of company products, services, and systems.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for challenging the status quo and enhancing processes and systems.
• Proven ability to perform effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, with exceptional prioritization and time management skills.
• Proficiency with modern business and technical software, including Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, web-based applications, CRM platforms, chat platforms (e.g., Slack), and basic computer troubleshooting.
• Strategic and proactive thinker who anticipates needs, plans ahead, and equips teams with the tools and information required for success.
• High level of self-awareness, adaptability, and openness to new ideas and perspectives.
• Unique blend of analytical thinking, hands-on problem-solving ability, and a strong customer-service orientation.
• Strong advocate for both customers and internal teams, recognizing that personal success is directly tied to the success of others.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with new customers and convert opportunities into long-term business partnerships.
• Self-motivated sales mindset with a willingness to proactively seek out new customers, uncover opportunities, and drive business growth.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, consultative selling, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial approach to identifying market opportunities and expanding GS Engineering's presence within targeted industries and customer accounts.
• Ability to work extended or non-standard hours, including weekends, as required by workload and project demands.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% of the time internationally, including North America, Asia, and Europe.