Lead business development efforts for custom automation solutions, manage client relationships, oversee project execution, and drive revenue growth. Requires extensive experience in engineering and sales.
Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 700 members across 31 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, caring team of colleagues, consider joining us at Foth.
Foth is seeking a Business Development Professional with proven success in finding and cultivating new relationships with manufacturing clients that have a demonstrated appetite for custom automation or machinery solutions.
This role supports Foth’s Serial 1 Automation group—a specialized team focused on developing first-of-a-kind solutions for unique manufacturing challenges. These solutions often serve clients aiming to own intellectual property for process improvements or those with highly manual or safety focused applications underserved by traditional OEMs. Using a stage-gate development process, the team helps clients de-risk projects while maintaining alignment with business objectives. Solutions may include new production lines, custom machinery, custom enhancements or integration to standard machinery, upgrades to aging machinery, or purely consulting support.
The position is based remotely in the Midwest or at one of our offices in Green Bay, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Madison, WI; Chicago, IL; or Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN.
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 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%) 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
Why Foth:
Established Reputation: With over 85 years of success, we are proud to be 100% member-owned.
Dynamic Culture: Benefit from a values-based, client-centered, and flexible work environment, with ample professional growth opportunities and supportive colleagues, contributing to our impressive 92+% member retention rate.
Challenging Projects: Engage in diverse and exciting projects that promote continuous professional growth and development.
Join our team and experience the Foth difference! Learn more at foth.com/careers
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.
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