Optical Business Development Manager Jobs in Michigan

Skyway Precision is seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Manager to lead strategic growth initiatives across our precision machining operations. This role is responsible for developing new business opportunities, expanding existing customer relationships, and driving profitable revenue growth within key markets.

The Business Development Manager will focus on expanding Skyway Precision’s presence within the automotive, heavy-duty diesel, industrial, and commercial vehicle markets by securing new business opportunities and strengthening strategic customer partnerships.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, castings, and engine components, along with proven success in customer relationship management, quoting, program launches, and commercial negotiations. This individual will serve as a key liaison between customers and internal teams, ensuring customer satisfaction while supporting Skyway Precision’s long-term growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development amp; Sales Growth

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within existing and prospective customer accounts.
• Develop and execute strategic account growth plans to achieve sales and profitability targets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with purchasing, engineering, operations, quality, and executive-level customer contacts.
• Identify emerging market trends, competitive activity, and opportunities within target industries.
• Develop and maintain a robust sales pipeline, actively managing opportunities from prospecting through program award.
• Represent Skyway Precision at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Account Management

• Serve as the primary commercial contact for assigned customer accounts.
• Develop trusted advisor relationships with key customer stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Monitor customer satisfaction and proactively address concerns to strengthen long-term partnerships.
• Forecast and track key account metrics, including annual sales plans, customer forecasts, and growth opportunities.

Program Launch amp; Customer Support

• Support the quotation process, including commercial reviews, pricing strategies, and customer negotiations.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, and Manufacturing teams to support successful program launches.
• Communicate customer concerns and requirements internally while driving timely resolution of issues.
• Ensure customer expectations are clearly communicated and executed throughout the product lifecycle.

Operational amp; Quality Support

• Support compliance with Skyway Precision’s Quality and Environmental Management Systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives supporting ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Perform additional assignments and strategic initiatives as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or program management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, castings, engine components, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience selling precision-machined components, castings, or highly engineered manufacturing solutions to OEM and Tier 1 customers is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop new business, secure new program awards, and grow strategic customer relationships.
• Experience supporting quotations, pricing reviews, contract negotiations, and customer presentations.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to customer locations and industry events.

Core Competencies

• Business Development amp; Strategic Sales
• Customer Relationship Management
• Manufacturing amp; Technical Knowledge
• Commercial Negotiation
• Communication amp; Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving amp; Decision Making
• Project amp; Time Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Results-Oriented Mindset

Why Skyway Precision?

Skyway Precision is a leading manufacturer of precision-machined and cast components serving the automotive, heavy-duty diesel, industrial, and commercial vehicle markets. With over 300 employees across five facilities in Michigan and Wisconsin and more than 150 CNC machines, we provide innovative manufacturing solutions to customers throughout North America and globally.

Our capabilities range from pre-production development through full-scale manufacturing, producing complex iron, aluminum, ductile iron, and high-silicon-moly components for some of the industry’s most demanding applications.

Join a team committed to quality, innovation, continuous improvement, and long-term customer partnerships while helping drive the next phase of Skyway Precision’s growth.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The strongest candidates will have an established network within the automotive, commercial vehicle, heavy-duty diesel, industrial equipment, or powertrain industries and a demonstrated history of winning new business for machining, casting, or metalworking manufacturers. Experience managing RFQs, program launches, and long-term OEM/Tier 1 customer relationships is highly desirable.