Operations Development Manager Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

Element Minneapolis (Bloomington) is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited aerospace and defense testing laboratory offering EMI/EMC testing, mechanical and dynamics testing, environmental simulation, vibration and shock testing, hydraulics testing, and product qualification services under one roof. The laboratory supports customers throughout the product lifecycle, from research and development through qualification, certification, and production readiness.

The Business Development Manager is responsible for generating new business, developing customer relationships, growing existing accounts, and managing the full sales process from opportunity identification through quote generation and customer follow-up.

This role is ideal for a sales professional who enjoys being in front of customers, identifying new opportunities, and building long-term partnerships, while also maintaining the discipline and organization required to manage RFQs, quotes, CRM activity, and account management responsibilities.

Success in this position requires balancing proactive business development efforts with responsive customer support and operational sales activities. Candidates seeking a purely field-based sales role may find the position less aligned with their expectations, as a meaningful portion of the role involves quote management, CRM administration, and coordination with internal teams.

Sponsorship is not available for this opportunity.

• Prospect and develop new business opportunities within the assigned territory
• Identify and win new customer accounts and logos
• Build and maintain a strong sales pipeline
• Conduct customer visits, presentations, and discovery meetings
• Develop strategies to expand market presence and drive revenue growth
• Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities
• Generate leads through outbound outreach and relationship development

• Manage and grow relationships within an existing customer portfolio
• Identify opportunities for additional testing and service needs
• Provide exceptional customer support and responsiveness
• Conduct regular customer follow-up and business reviews
• Partner with customers to understand testing requirements and business objectives
• Support customer retention and long-term account growth initiatives

• Review and respond to incoming customer RFQs
• Develop and process quotes in a timely and accurate manner
• Gather technical and commercial information required to support customer requests
• Clarify project requirements and testing needs directly with customers
• Coordinate with laboratory operations and technical teams to develop solutions
• Manage opportunities and sales activities within CRM systems
• Maintain accurate records, forecasting, and pipeline reporting

• Conduct customer meetings and site visits
• Host and facilitate customer laboratory tours
• Represent Element professionally within the marketplace
• Act as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for customers
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver an exceptional customer experience

• Proven experience in business development, outside sales, account management, or territory sales
• Demonstrated success acquiring new customers and growing revenue
• Strong customer-facing communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Experience utilizing CRM systems and sales administration tools
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
• Detail-oriented approach to opportunity and account management

• Experience selling technical, industrial, engineering, testing, laboratory, certification, or professional services
• Background in manufacturing, engineering services, industrial markets, or related industries
• Experience balancing business development and account management responsibilities
• Familiarity with testing, inspection, or certification services
• Existing relationships within relevant customer markets

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.