Role Overview: Drive Growth with Data, Shape Strategy, and Elevate Customer Relationships

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for data-driven growth and a knack for building customer relationships? As the Business Development Manager, you will partner with three dynamic SFT businesses, leading a data-centric approach to sales and strategy that broadens our market reach, boosts revenue, and strengthens customer connections. You’ll harness the power of data analytics to uncover market insights, evaluate performance, and fine-tune our strategies for measurable growth.

In this role, you’ll not only contribute to business expansion but also mentor and empower our sales professionals, ensuring they have the analytics tools and strategies needed to succeed. If you thrive on using data insights to drive decisions and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this is the perfect opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why This Role is Exciting
As a Business Development Manager at SFT, you’ll be at the forefront of using data to drive impactful decisions. From developing customer strategies based on insights to mentoring teams on leveraging data, your contributions will shape our growth and success. This role is ideal for a growth-minded leader who thrives on using data to make a measurable difference in a company with ambitious goals.

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

• Start strong – Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day

• Recharge and refresh – Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore

• Invest in your future – A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster

• Keep learning – Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset

• Live well – Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits

• Get support when you need it – Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance

• Save smart – Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

Your responsibilities include:

• Responsible for coordinating, planning, collaborating, developing, and executing the development strategy and tactics of the Division that prioritizes growth and positive customer ratings
• Identify markets, applications, products, channels, and/or agents for growth
• Conduct detail level industry research to develop effective sales solutions
• Have a detailed understanding of analytics and metrics on competition and positioning for revenue development and growth –
• Collaborate with finance/marketing/and other internal stakeholders to define needs for markets/products/applications for evaluations and provide accurate forecast, budget and targets for business control reporting
• Review sales contracts to ensure they meet legal and corporate guidelines
• Utilize and be comfortable developing data driving solutions
• Assist with the marketing and digital branding/marketing strategies of the division  Collaborating with sales team to create targeted campaigns using the proper channels. Lead generation, nurture prospects and optimize marketing funnels. 
• Understand the needs of customers and the markets and fill any internal gaps within our product portfolio or sales force
• Represent Attend and be present for industry functions, associations, trade shows, and exhibits in line with SFT sales strategy
• Acts as a strategic resource for negotiations and evaluations with customers
• Oversees the analysis, development, standardization and reporting of CRM  
•  Develop and execute marketing events, tracking and measuring of performance campaigns to help ensure that the product goals and objectives are aligned with the marketing efforts.
• Establish social media strategy for SFT
• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plan
• Secure and leverage needed technical support available within our matrix organization to support the proper use of technical solutions at customers.
• Coach and develop field sales teams to help them provide high quality pre-qualified leads
• Evaluate customer’s suitability and readiness to implement SFT strategy and make commercial driven decisions to proceed with or decline implementation opportunities

Your Profile / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or Finance, marketing is required

• MBA preferred.

Professional Knowledge and Experiences

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years in business development, sales, or a related role with a proven track record in achieving growth targets.

  • Experience in leading process changes and navigating matrixed organizations.

  • Background in product/business management or marketing principles and tools.

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong market analysis and competitive strategy capabilities.

  • Financial and budget management proficiency.

  • Project management expertise and CRM skills.

• Soft Skills:

  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.

  • Strong negotiation, networking, and customer relationship management abilities.

  • Effective multitasking and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.

• Travel 50% - 75% for the first 12 - 18 months. 50% - 60% there after, depending on business needs. This role will be required to be in the office 1-2 weeks a month.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs—we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment will be discussed during interview.  GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary.  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.  You may be eligible for additional rewards.

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

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