Business Development Manager, Industrial at Schnellecke – Houston, Texas

Job Title: Business Development - Sales Manager (Industrial)

Location: U.S. based (preferred near Defense & Aerospace hubs such as Washington, Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Arizona, or California)

Work Model: Hybrid (Travel Required)

Position Summary:

The Sales 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 Sales Manager 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 a key interface between customers and Schnellecke’s internal teams, ensuring that logistics solutions align with operational requirements, cost efficiency, and long-term strategic 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.
• Five to ten years of experience in business development, sales, or program management within logistics, supply chain services, or industrial manufacturing.
• Experience working with industrial manufacturing supply chains, including machinery, heavy equipment, electronics, or industrial components.
• Strong understanding of logistics services, including warehousing, production logistics, sequencing, kitting, transportation, and supply chain operations.
• Experience managing complex sales processes, including RFIs, RFQs, and RFPs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage with senior leadership, procurement teams, and operational leaders.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with cross-functional teams.
• Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Willingness to travel as required to support customer engagement and business development 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 Schellecke Logistics:

Schnellecke Logistics is a global logistics service provider specializing in value-added logistics solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors. The company is committed to operational excellence, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while delivering reliable supply chain support to its 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.