Operations Development Manager Jobs in Westfield, IN

WHO WE ARE

At Yamaha Precision Propellers, we're more than a manufacturing company-we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and craftspeople dedicated to delivering exceptional marine performance. By producing precision-engineered propellers for Yamaha outboard motors, we help create better experiences for boaters while providing rewarding careers for the people who make it all possible.

We make high-quality products while supporting our teams and local communities by providing great careers in a safe, respectful, and innovative environment.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking aNew Business Development Managerto drive growth for our investment casting foundry and rotational molding business by identifying new customers, expanding into new markets, and developing opportunities for a broader range of precision cast components and molded products. This individual will work closely with customers, engineering, estimating, quality, and operations to evaluate new casting opportunities, manage RFQs, support technical discussions, and secure profitable new business.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in technical sales or business development within manufacturing and a demonstrated ability to develop customer relationships in engineered component markets. Experience in investment casting, metalcasting, aerospace, defense, energy, medical, industrial equipment, or related industries is strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

New Customer Development

• Identify and pursue new customers requiring precision investment castings.
• Develop target account lists across strategic markets such as aerospace, defense, energy, industrial equipment, medical, automotive, marine, pumps/valves, and general engineered components.
• Build relationships with engineering, sourcing, purchasing, quality, and executive-level customer contacts.
• Lead prospecting efforts through cold outreach, trade shows, industry networks, referrals, and market research.
• Maintain an active pipeline of qualified opportunities and provide regular updates to leadership.

Market Diversification

• Identify new industries and applications where the foundry's casting capabilities can be competitively positioned.
• Evaluate opportunities to diversify casting offerings by alloy, casting size, complexity, tolerance requirements, certification needs, or end-use market.
• Research competitor capabilities, pricing trends, customer needs, and market gaps.
• Recommend strategic business development initiatives to expand the foundry's addressable market.

Technical Sales & Customer Support

• Work with customers to understand part requirements, drawings, specifications, annual volumes, quality standards, and commercial expectations.
• Coordinate internally with engineering, estimating, quality, operations, and metallurgy teams to evaluate manufacturability and quoting feasibility.
• Support technical discussions related to alloy selection, casting design, tooling, tolerances, surface finish, heat treatment, machining, inspection, and qualification requirements.
• Assist customers in converting machined, fabricated, forged, or welded components into investment castings where appropriate.

Quoting & Commercial Management

• Lead the commercial process for new business opportunities from initial inquiry through quote submission and award.
• Coordinate RFQs, NDAs, technical reviews, cost estimates, tooling quotes, lead times, and commercial proposals.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, tooling agreements, blanket orders, long-term agreements, and supply contracts.
• Track win/loss activity and use feedback to improve competitiveness.

Project Launch & Account Transition

• Support new product introduction from award through tooling, sampling, qualification, and first production orders.
• Serve as a bridge between the customer and internal teams during early-stage development.
• Ensure customer expectations are clearly communicated regarding lead times, quality requirements, documentation, and production readiness.
• Transition mature accounts to account management or customer service teams as appropriate while continuing to identify growth opportunities.

Reporting & Strategy

• Maintain accurate CRM records, sales pipeline status, forecasted revenue, and customer contact history.
• Provide regular reports on new business activity, quote volume, market trends, and growth opportunities.
• Participate in sales strategy meetings and contribute to annual growth planning.
• Recommend investments in certifications, alloys, equipment, finishing capabilities, or partnerships that may support market expansion.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, specifications, and customer requirements.
• Proven track record of identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities within manufacturing or engineered products.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with technical and executive-level stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Production, Estimating, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including investment casting, machining, fabrication, heat treatment, and finishing operations.
• Ability to evaluate component manufacturability and identify opportunities for design optimization and cost reduction.
• Experience managing long sales cycles involving multiple decision-makers and technical approvals.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate profitability, margins, pricing strategy, and business risk.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple RFQs, priorities, and customer opportunities simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales data, market trends, forecasting, and pipeline metrics.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Comfortable presenting technical and commercial proposals to customers, engineering teams, and senior leadership.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed to support customers, trade shows, supplier visits, and business development initiatives.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and customer focus.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, technical sales, account management, or commercial leadership in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience selling engineered components, castings, forgings, machined parts, fabricated assemblies, or similar industrial products.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% of the time to customer sites, trade shows, and industry events.

Preferred

• Direct experience in investment casting, precision casting, foundry operations, or metal casting.
• Experience selling into aerospace, defense, medical, energy, pumps/valves, industrial machinery, or automotive markets.
• Understanding of industry certifications and customer requirements such as ISO 9001, AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, PPAP, or customer-specific quality systems.
• Experience with CRM systems and formal sales pipeline management.
• Existing relationships with OEMs, Tier suppliers, engineering firms, or sourcing teams that purchase precision castings is a plus.