Capability Development Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Element has an opportunity for a Senior Business Development Manager to lead strategic growth across a portfolio of key and enterprise accounts within a defined geography. This role is responsible for developing and executing high-impact account strategies, expanding market share, and driving profitable revenue growth across the full breadth of Element's Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services.

As a senior leader within the commercial organization, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, influencing complex sales cycles, shaping long-term partnerships, and aligning Element's technical capabilities with evolving customer needs. This role requires a strong blend of technical expertise, consultative selling, and executive-level relationship management.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.

Lead Strategic Account Growth
Own and execute enterprise-level account plans to expand share of wallet, strengthen client retention, and unlock new revenue streams across key accounts.
• Drive Complex, Technical Sales Cycles
  Lead consultative, multi-stakeholder sales engagements, translating complex testing requirements into tailored solutions and compelling value propositions.
• Executive Relationship Management
  Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior decision-makers, engineers, and technical stakeholders, positioning Element as a long-term strategic partner.
• Market Intelligence & Opportunity Development
  Leverage industry knowledge and customer insights to identify emerging opportunities, re-engage dormant accounts, and penetrate new business areas.
• Solution Development & Proposal Leadership
  Partner with technical teams to interpret testing requirements, define scopes of work, and develop detailed proposals including cost estimates, timelines, and terms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  Work closely with laboratory leadership, operations, and commercial teams to ensure seamless execution and delivery of client solutions.
• Sales Forecasting & Pipeline Ownership
  Maintain accurate pipeline visibility, forecasting, and reporting through CRM tools; proactively manage risks and opportunities.
• Industry Representation & Thought Leadership
  Represent Element at industry events, customer engagements, and professional associations to strengthen market presence and brand credibility.
• Mentorship & Commercial Excellence
  Act as a leader within the sales organization, sharing best practices and supporting the development of high-performing commercial teams.
• CRM & Sales Discipline
  Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all sales activities, maintaining high-quality data within CRM systems.
• Compliance & Governance
  Adhere to all Element policies, including safety, trade compliance, ethics, and corporate governance standards.

• Experience & Technical Expertise
  • Minimum 10 years of technical experience with direct sales responsibilities, preferably within testing, inspection, certification, materials, or engineering services environments
  • Strong background in interpreting testing procedures, specifications, and customer requirements
  • Experience in materials testing, metallurgy, or composites strongly preferred
• Education
  • Bachelor's degree required; B.S. in Materials Science or related technical field preferred
• Commercial & Client-Facing Capabilities
  • Proven ability to interface with clients, win new business, and grow strategic accounts
  • Demonstrated success developing proposals, cost estimates, work plans, and commercial terms
  • Strong ability to navigate complex, multi-level decision-making environments
• Systems & Tools
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and CRM platforms; experience with Microsoft Dynamics AX and CRM preferred
• Professional Presence & Communication
  • Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and executive audiences
  • Strong interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration and trust across all levels of the organization
  • Professional maturity and presence to represent Element across a wide range of customer, community, and industry engagements
• Execution & Agility
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining composure under pressure
  • Highly organized, self-directed, and results-oriented
• Travel Requirements
  • Ability to travel up to 75%, including overnight travel as needed

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to 'Make tomorrow safer than today'.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming "the world's most trusted testing partner".

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.