Business Development Director

JOB PURPOSE
The Business Development Director is responsible for identifying, developing, and converting strategic growth opportunities into profitable revenue. The role develops market growth strategies, builds long-term customer relationships, leads the commercial development of new business opportunities, and provides market intelligence that supports Hitchiner’s strategic growth objectives.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Market Growth & Revenue Expansion (30%)

Develops and executes business development strategies that generate profitable revenue growth and expand the Company's presence within existing and emerging markets. Identifies, qualifies, and advances strategic business opportunities while strengthening customer relationships and positioning the Company for long-term commercial success.

1. Strategic Customer Engagement (30%)

Develops and maintains strategic relationships with customers and key decision-makers to position the Company as a preferred manufacturing partner. Serves as the primary commercial resource for assigned accounts by understanding customer business objectives, identifying future opportunities, influencing sourcing and design decisions, and aligning customer needs with the Company's capabilities.

1. Opportunity Development & Commercial Strategy (25%)

Leads the commercial evaluation and development of new business opportunities by partnering with customers and cross-functional teams to assess technical feasibility, business risk, financial viability, and strategic alignment. Develops commercial strategies and business recommendations that support profitable growth and successful program acquisition.

1. Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning (15%)

Provides market intelligence and commercial insights that support business planning, strategic decision-making, and long-term growth. Monitors industry trends, competitive activity, customer priorities, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities, anticipate market changes, and strengthen the Company's competitive position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (IF APPLICABLE)

None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience. A master's degree in business, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible experience in business development, market development, strategic sales, account management, or a related commercial role within aerospace, defense, automotive, industrial manufacturing, or other engineered manufacturing environments. Experience supporting investment casting or other highly engineered manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and securing complex commercial opportunities that drive profitable business growth.
• Strong business, financial, and analytical acumen with the ability to evaluate commercial opportunities and develop business recommendations.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including travel between U.S. and Mexico operations and customer locations (approximately 40–60%).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of business development, strategic account management, commercial growth strategies, and market development.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering concepts, and industrial markets sufficient to develop customer solutions and identify business opportunities.
• Thorough knowledge of financial analysis, pricing strategies, business case development, and commercial risk assessment.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, planning, and business decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with customers, leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong verbal communication, written communication, presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead complex initiatives and influence business decisions without formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while exercising sound judgment and accountability for results.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily office-based, with regular work in manufacturing/plant-floor environments where appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and exposure to noise, heat, and industrial conditions may occur.
• Frequent and significant domestic and international travel (approximately 40-60% including between U.S. and Mexico operations and to customer sites) to maintain field engagement and customer relationships.
• Extended periods of computer and telephone work, including preparation and delivery of presentations to executive audiences.
• Schedule flexibility required to accommodate customer needs, travel, and cross-time-zone collaboration.

• Mission-critical manufacturing: We use advanced automation and cutting edge equipment to support industries where precision and reliability matter.
• Internal mobility: We deeply invest in our people, offering training and leadership development opportunities so that employees can grow their careers with us.
• We win together: All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our annual profit-sharing bonus.
• Beautiful location: Fully updated and modernized buildings on a campus offering an onsite restaurant and gym.

Full time employees may elect to participate in a number of benefit programs, including Hitchiner’s Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, flexible spending accounts, and 401(k) Employee Retirement Contribution Plan. The Company provides employees with basic company-paid short-term, long-term, and basic life/AD&D insurance.

Employees also have access to education and tuition reimbursement, wellness rewards, Employee Assistance Program, and our free onsite fitness center.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Milford, New Hampshire, Hitchiner Manufacturing is the premier supplier of high-volume, complex thin-wall investment castings and fully finished casting-based components to the automotive, aerospace and defense markets.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Hitchiner Manufacturing is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

This position involves access to technical data, materials, and/or hardware subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employees must be able to meet export control eligibility requirements as a condition of employment. Who is considered a U.S. Person? A U.S. Person can be one of the following: U.S. Citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), a refugee or asylee admitted under the U.S. law, or certain protected individuals under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Learn more about the ITAR here. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Hitchiner participates in the E-Verify program to confirm work authorization for all new hires in accordance with federal law.