Business Development Automotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Consider joining the Pennex family as a Sr. Manager, Business Development - Automotive in our Leetonia, OH location.  The Senior Business Development Manager (Sr. BDM) is responsible for driving Pennex’s strategic initiative to expand value-added sales in the automotive and select commercial markets. This role emphasizes growth in key sectors, including major OEMs in specific automotive segments. 

Market Focus  

• Allocate approximately 75% of efforts to expanding automotive value-added markets, and 25% to commercial value-added markets in alignment with the automotive sales strategy. 

Sales Development and Customer Engagement  

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Sales to implement a sales plan that meets growth targets and establishes new value-added business opportunities across the United States.  
• Actively engage new customers, develop a customer engagement plan, showcase Pennex’s capabilities, and manage the quoting process with timely follow-ups to meet customer needs.  
• Attract and onboard new extrusion and value-added customers aligned with Pennex’s Long Range Plan (LRP) and strategic initiatives. 

Account Management  

• Oversee all customer activities from request for quote through purchase order management, customer setup, die trials, and production start-up. Ensure proper execution of internal APQP processes, material qualifications, and engineering validation.  
• Serve as a liaison between customers and internal Pennex teams, fostering strong working relationships across departments.

Collaboration and Reporting  

• Participate in Manufacturing Leadership Team meetings, reporting on business development activities and quote performance.  
• Work with the Marketing Group to create supporting collateral and lead promotional initiatives, including trade shows, product positioning, sales evaluations, and market research.

Support for Precision Engineered Products (PEP) 

• Support Precision Engineered Products (PEP) in becoming an automotive-class supplier for extruded aluminum components. Collaborate on process improvements aimed at certifications.  
• Partner with YPEP and LPEP teams on specifications for new equipment and Capital Acquisition Requests. 

Leadership

• Manages at least one team member.

Other duties and responsibilities as requested/required.  

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or equivalent experience
• 8 years of related experience in metal sales (aluminum extrusion preferred) 
• Strong background and knowledge of aluminum extrusion fabrication processes, equipment and customers 

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentations  
• Strategic planning and tactical execution skills   
• Potential for growth into senior-level responsibilities  
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with distributors, customers, and internal support teams  
• Demonstrated success in regional sales  
• High energy, competitive, and able to work independently  
• Proficiency in computer operations  
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills  
• Technical aptitude, including blueprint reading and knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)  
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations  
• Skilled in report writing, business correspondence, and creating procedure manuals  
• Ability to respond effectively to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public  
• Ability to calculate discounts, interest, commissions, and various measurements such as area, circumference, and volume  
• Reasoning skills for solving practical problems and interpreting written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions  
• Valid driver’s license  
• Ability to travel 50 to 75%  

Physical Demands  

• Regularly required to talk, hear, sit, and use hands for handling tasks  
• Occasionally required to stand and walk  
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds  
• Visual acuity including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and focus adjustment  

Work Environment  

• Exposure to moderate noise levels  
• Occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions, mechanical parts, airborne particles, chemicals, and outdoor weather 
• Must be able to pass pre-employment physical, MVR and drug screen 
• Must be eligible to work in the United States, visa sponsorships are not available 
• Regular attendance required 

Perks of the Job 

• Medical, dental and vision insurance 
• Disability and life insurance 
• 401(k) with matching contribution 
• Generous allotment of paid vacation and paid holidays 
• Competitive wages plus performance-based bonus opportunities 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Ongoing training and professional development 
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement 
• Relocation may be available 

Why Our People Love Working Here 

• Purpose-driven, friendly, open and respectful culture 
• Shared core values of safety, caring, integrity and growth 
• Employee discount program with hundreds of partner brands 
• Up to $5000 tuition reimbursement 
• Wellness incentive program 
• Regular employee celebrations and events 

Who We Are 

Founded nearly half a century ago, Pennex continues to see rapid growth as a leading provider of quality aluminum cast products and extrusions. With state-of-the-art technology and facilities across Ohio and Pennsylvania, we’re proud to offer the capabilities and expertise to cast billet, extrude custom shapes and fabricate finished components for customers across a range of markets - including automotive, transportation, building and construction, electrical and machinery, consumer durables and distribution. 

But it’s not just what we do that sets us apart, it’s how we do it. Safety. Caring. Integrity. Growth. These core values are embodied by each member of our team; guiding every action we take and decision we make. Whether it’s driving innovation within our industry, making the impossible possible for our customers, providing a safe, respectful workplace for employees or supporting our local communities, our purpose is clear. We are dedicated to impacting our world in a positive way. 

If you are a like-minded individual with a strong ability to problem solve, collaborate and effectively communicate, Pennex may be the perfect place for you to grow your career. To learn more, please visit Pennex.com or check out other opportunities within the MX Holdings family of companies at MXHoldings.com.  

Our Commitment to Inclusion 

We welcome people of different backgrounds, abilities and perspectives. To ensure our business and culture continue to be inclusive of all people, we never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or marital, veteran or disability status. MX Holdings and the family of brands, including Metal Exchange and Pennex, are proud to be equal opportunity employers. Additionally, all of your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Should you have any questions or require special assistance completing your application, please email pennexrecruiter@pennex.com. 

Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States and not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States. 

Our salary ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Confidentiality Agreement Required: Yes