Business Development Manager - Industrial at Schnellecke – Houston, Texas

Job Title: Business Development - Sales Manager (Industrial)

Location: Hybrid - Houston, TX (candidate needs to be located near industrial hubs in the Houston, TX area)

Work Model: Hybrid (Travel Required)

Position Summary: The Business Development Manager - Industrial is responsible for driving business growth and expanding Schnellecke Logistics’ presence in the industrial manufacturing sector across North America. This role focuses on identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities with industrial manufacturers, equipment producers, and supply chain partners requiring advanced logistics solutions. The Business Development Manager - Industrial will work closely with cross-functional teams to design and deliver logistics solutions that support production logistics, warehousing, sequencing, kitting, subassembly, and end-to-end supply chain services. This role serves as the main link between customers and Schnellecke’s teams, ensuring logistics solutions align with operational needs, cost efficiency, and long-term partnerships. Key Responsibilities:Industrial Market Development and Growth

• Develop and execute business development strategies to expand Schnellecke Logistics’ presence within the industrial manufacturing sector.
• Identify and pursue opportunities with industrial manufacturers, machinery producers, equipment manufacturers, and supply chain partners across North America.
• Build and maintain relationships with procurement, supply chain, operations, and executive leadership within target industrial organizations.
• Monitor industrial market trends, manufacturing investments, and supply chain developments to identify potential business opportunities.
• Support Schnellecke’s expansion into new industrial segments, including heavy equipment, electronics manufacturing, machinery production, and industrial components.

Customer Engagement and Account Development

• Serve as the primary point of contact for industrial sector customers.
• Develop long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including supply chain leaders, plant management, procurement teams, and operational leadership.
• Conduct regular business reviews with customers to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for expanded services.
• Develop strategic account plans for key industrial customers.

Solution Development and Proposal Leadership

• Collaborate with Solution Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and Finance teams to design logistics solutions tailored to industrial manufacturing environments.
• Lead RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs for new industrial sector opportunities.
• Develop detailed proposals including pricing structures, operational concepts, cost models, and implementation plans.
• Ensure proposed logistics solutions are operationally feasible, scalable, and aligned with customer requirements.
• Support cost modeling for warehouse operations, labor planning, transportation strategies, and production support logistics.

Project Implementation and Internal Collaboration

• Support the onboarding and startup of new industrial logistics programs.
• Ensure smooth transition from the sales phase to operational implementation.
• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure the successful execution of new projects.
• Participate in site visits, operational assessments, and project implementation meetings when required.

Reporting and Governance

• Maintain accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and opportunity tracking.
• Update and manage customer and opportunity data within CRM systems.
• Provide regular updates to Business Development leadership and regional management.
• Support strategic planning initiatives related to industrial market growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience in business development within contract logistics, third-party logistics, or supply chain services.
• Direct experience selling warehouse-based solutions, including warehousing, production logistics, sequencing, kitting, or end-to-end supply chain services, is required.
• Proven experience selling complex, long-cycle logistics solutions with multi-stakeholder buying processes.
• Experience working within industrial manufacturing supply chains, including machinery, heavy equipment, electronics, or industrial components.
• Experience working for or selling against major 3PL providers such as GXO, DHL, XPO, CEVA, Kenco, DP World, BLG, or Daher is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of contract logistics operations, warehouse solutions, and end-to-end supply chain services.
• Demonstrated experience leading RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs within logistics or supply chain environments.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to develop pricing strategies and value-based proposals.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and finance teams to develop customer solutions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence decision makers at multiple levels.
• Ability to operate independently in a results-driven, business development-focused role.
• Willingness to travel as required to support customer engagement and sales activities.

Work Environment:

• This role operates in a dynamic, collaborative business development environment that requires frequent interaction with internal teams and external customers across the industrial manufacturing sector.
• The Sales Manager Industrial must be comfortable working with cross-functional teams, including operations, engineering, IT, and finance, to design logistics solutions that support complex manufacturing supply chains.
• This role requires frequent communication with customers, participation in site visits, and travel to manufacturing facilities and industry events across North America.

About Schnellecke Logistics:

Schnellecke Logistics is a global logistics service provider specializing in value-added logistics solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors. We're committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement, and we deliver reliable supply chain support to our customers. Schnellecke Group is a globally recognized third-party logistics provider with over 80 years of experience delivering innovative supply chain solutions. Founded in Wolfsburg, Germany, and still family-owned and operated by the third generation, Schnellecke combines strong local roots with a global presence. Today, we operate more than 70 facilities worldwide with over 2,000,000 square meters of logistics space supporting customers across the automotive and industrial sectors.

At Schnellecke, we are committed to building strong teams, investing in employee development, and creating an environment where individuals can grow their careers while contributing to meaningful work across the global supply chain.

EEOC Statement:

Schnellecke Logistics is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable laws.