Business Development Manager; Hybrid or Remote

At KI Industries, Inc., an employee-owned (ESOP) manufacturer of decorative plastic injection-molded and die-cast components for the automotive and appliance industries, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture built on trust, accountability and connection—where every employee feels valued, supported, empowered, and engaged.

Being named Plastics News Best Places to Work nine years in a row isn’t luck—it’s the result of how we show up for our people and our customers.

The Opportunity

This role is not account management.

This is a true hunter position.

If you thrive on opening doors, chasing new opportunities, and closing business that didn’t exist yesterday, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to aggressively grow new business in the Automotive and Appliance markets, expanding KI’s footprint with customers that align with our manufacturing capabilities and long-term growth strategy.

What You’ll Do

• Hunt for new business—identify, pursue, and close new accounts in targeted industries and regions
• Build a pipeline from scratch through cold calling, prospecting, networking, and strategic outreach
• Develop and execute go-to-market strategies to penetrate new markets and customer segments
• Consistently meet or exceed new-business-focused sales targets
• Partner closely with engineering, production, and marketing to deliver solutions that win
• Create compelling proposals, presentations, and pricing strategies tailored to each prospect
• Build trusted relationships with decision-makers across procurement, operations, and executive leadership
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and customer needs to stay ahead
• Maintain accurate CRM data, forecasts, and pipeline updates for leadership

What We’re Looking For

• A proven hunter mindset—self-driven, resilient, and motivated by the chase (plastic industry experience is a must)
• 5+ years of business development or sales experience in manufacturing or industrial B2B
• Demonstrated success landing new accounts and attaining new-business goals
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Ability to sell technical solutions by collaborating cross-functionally
• Comfort with CRM tools and metrics-driven sales processes
• Willingness to travel for prospecting, presentations, and industry events
• Experience in the automotive industry
• Bachelor's or master's degree in business, Marketing, Engineering or a similar field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Outlook
• Willingness to travel 25-50%
• Position will be hybrid for candidates in the Chicagoland area, remote outside of Chicago

Nice to Have

• Technical background in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial products
• Experience selling to OEMs or Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers
• Established industry relationships and regional market knowledge
• Experience in the appliance industry

What We Offer

• A high-impact role with real influence on company growth
• Competitive compensation with uncapped earning potential
• Employee ownership (ESOP) so your contributions build long-term value
• Comprehensive benefits package
• A high-accountability, low-politics environment where results are recognized
• A people-first culture with meaningful engagement programs—not gimmicks
• Stability, support, and the freedom to build and grow your book of business

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

KI Industries, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact hu.