Business Unit Director - SDI

Flexfab • Grand Rapids, MI

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Unit Director (BUD) for the Specialty, Distribution and Industrial (SDI) segment is responsible for setting and executing the commercial strategy, leading a cross-functional business unit team, and delivering profitable growth for Flexfab’s SDI markets. This role owns the full P&L for the unit, oversees customer and market development, and ensures strong functional collaboration across Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Production, Quality, and Customer Service. The BUD will drive strategic alignment with global business priorities while maintaining accountability for performance within the SDI business. This position directly supports Flexfab’s strategic priorities of driving global growth, deepening customer partnerships, enabling innovation, and investing in people and culture. The SDI Unit includes a group of businesses serving Flexfab’s most specialized markets, those that differ from traditional automotive and aerospace OEM businesses. The business primarily operates through distribution channels, stocking and selling standard product lines to the Truck and Industrial Aftermarket, while also serving smaller Industrial OEM customers under the same umbrella.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• More than 10 years of proven commercial success in distribution-based businesses, preferably within the Automotive/Truck or Industrial Aftermarket.
• Demonstrated experience building and growing customer relationships in North American markets, with a strong track record of increasing sales through distributor channels and establishing the sales force and structure needed to support growth.
• Strong commercial acumen and sound business judgment are essential, ideally in complex distribution environments involving multiple channels such as distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.
• Must have strong analytical skills, with the ability to apply insight and analysis to complex business challenges.
• Strong marketing knowledge and proven ability to create end-customer value through multiple indirect channels.
• Demonstrated command of strategic marketing concepts, brand positioning, and brand enhancement.
• Expertise in pricing structures across multiple distribution levels.
• Skilled at using market data and insights to guide planning and decision-making, with experience developing effective price list strategies and discount policies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, including matrixed/shared service models.
• Skilled communicator and negotiator, comfortable engaging senior-level stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Experience using ERP and CRM systems to drive decision making and execution.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with product digitalization and digital marketing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SDI business unit with full accountability for revenue, margin, and profitability.
• Own development and execution of the commercial strategy, with a focus on securing long-term customer partnerships and expanding Flexfab’s offering within the Aftermarket.
• Build and lead a cross-functional team with direct reports that may include Sales Managers, Account Managers, Field Sales Representatives, Marketing Specialists, Marketing Agency, Engineering Managers, Customer Service Representatives, and Quality or Program Engineering staff.
• Provides direction and support to the Sales Managers to ensure alignment of execution with business strategy and customer expectations.
• Coordinate with shared services (e.g., Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing, IT, HR, and Global Manufacturing) to ensure business unit performance goals are met while respecting functional reporting lines.
• Develop and execute a marketing strategy that increases brand and product awareness with the end user.
• Ensure alignment and delivery across all functions supporting the business unit by removing barriers, resolving conflicts, and holding contributors accountable to shared targets.
• Serve as the senior-most customer interface for key relationships; lead executive-level communications and negotiations.
• Act as a visible industry leader by engaging in key trade associations, customer forums, and public platforms relevant to the heavy-duty truck and industrial aftermarket sectors.
• Use digital tools and financial models to forecast performance, evaluate strategic options, and support data-driven decisions.
• Gather and apply market intelligence, industry trends, and forecasts.
• Oversee pricing strategy, contract management, and commercial risk evaluation.
• Drive innovation by championing voice-of-customer feedback, commercial validation of concepts, and alignment of development efforts with market demand.
• Collaborate with Product Development and Engineering to align new technology introductions with customer and market needs.
• Monitor program and launch execution for SDI customers; ensure cross-functional coordination to meet delivery, quality, and cost targets.
• Champion individual and team development at all levels within the SDI unit.
• Model and foster a culture of growth, aligning individual development goals with the organization’s strategic priorities.
• Lead and model Flexfab’s HEARTS values to build a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable business unit culture.

Benefits

• This role provides high visibility across global operations and commercial leadership.
• It offers a development pathway toward senior executive leadership roles within Flexfab

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director