Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 32 locations are dedicated to solving our clients’ toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you.
Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers.
Position Overview
- As a Business Development Manager - Automation, you will leverage your network to identify and pursue new business opportunities, serving as the primary contact for new client relationships. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to qualify leads, build pursuit strategies, and develop winning proposals.
- Once projects are awarded, you’ll provide high-level oversight and ensure successful execution by Foth’s engineering and project management teams. After establishing a strong foundation with new clients (typically within 1–2 years), you’ll transition the relationship to a strategic account manager, maintaining focus on generating new opportunities.
- The ideal candidate will bring strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, technical and financial acumen, and the ability to drive revenue growth and profitability. Flexibility and travel (30–50%) are required.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Identify and pursue high-potential clients or projects opportunities requiring first-of-a-kind solutions
- Influence decision-makers across client organizations
- Develop and execute strategic and tactical plans to meet revenue goals
- Lead and support proposal development and client presentations
- Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting data
- Coach internal teams for upcoming client engagements
- Build Foth’s industry network and client relationships
- Support deescalation and resolution of any potential client or project conflicts
- Collaborate with other cross-functional areas such as accounting, operations, and risk
- Travel as needed (30–50% nationwide) to support client needs and seize opportunities
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or engineering; or relevant professional experience
- 10+ years of sales, business development, and/or account management
- 10+ years of custom automation experience within engineering or manufacturing environments
- 5+ years of leading internal cross-functional teams via influence and relationship building
Required Recent Experience with the Following:
- Business development experience in custom automation or machinery
- Prior experience developing revenue projections and tactical execution to achieve them
- Prior client relationship management experience
- Prior experience in contract negotiation, management and administration
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience using social media for business development
- Familiarity with CRM platforms
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free. Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth’s Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance. Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies: Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory


.png)