RV Industry Business Development Manager

HR Collaboration Group • Elkhart, IN

1d • Remote

About The Position

The RV Industry Business Development Manager will develop a new business channel and grow the company’s presence in the recreational vehicle market, focusing on the Elkhart, Indiana RV market. This remote role uses established RV industry relationships to identify prospective customers, develop RFQ opportunities, and convert new opportunities into production programs for custom rubber and sealing products.

The manager will build relationships with RV OEM manufacturers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, component manufacturers, and other prospective customers, particularly in the travel trailer and fifth-wheel markets. The role involves researching customer requirements and current sourcing, identifying applications for custom rubber products, securing materials needed for accurate quotations, and pursuing opportunities from initial contact through product development and award. Travel is required as necessary for customer meetings and business development, as well as manufacturing tours and training, including a planned trip to India. The position has no direct reports and reports to the COO.

Requirements

• Proven experience in business development, OEM sales, or a related commercial role within the RV industry.
• Strong prospecting, networking, negotiation, organizational, planning, prioritizing, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to generate new business, identify opportunities, pursue RFQs, and convert opportunities into production business.
• Ability to work independently, develop a market from the ground up, and manage multiple opportunities through completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate professionally with customers, purchasing personnel, engineers, executives, and internal team members.
• Demonstrated initiative, persistence, accountability, results-oriented behavior, and a strong hunter mentality.
• Customer-oriented, collaborative, and relationship-focused approach; takes responsibility for pursuing and following through on opportunities.
• Comfort using Microsoft Outlook and standard office technology.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, sales, or a related field; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Experience selling components or products to RV OEMs and suppliers.
• Established RV industry relationships with purchasing, sourcing, engineering, or product-development decision-makers.
• Experience with CRM systems, sales pipeline tracking, spreadsheets, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a qualified prospect list of RV OEM manufacturers, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, component manufacturers, and other potential customers.
• Use established RV industry relationships to obtain introductions and build relationships with purchasing, sourcing, engineering, and product-development decision-makers.
• Identify opportunities in the travel trailer, fifth-wheel, motorhome, and specialty RV markets, with particular emphasis on travel trailer and fifth-wheel manufacturers.
• Research prospective customers’ purchasing requirements, rubber component applications, suppliers, and sourcing opportunities.
• Identify applications for rubber extrusions, molded rubber, seals, gaskets, weatherstripping, bulb seals, edge trim, EPDM components, and other custom rubber products.
• Identify products sourced from competing suppliers and develop opportunities to quote new business and support cost-reduction initiatives.
• Obtain customer drawings, samples, specifications, and requirements needed to prepare accurate quotations.
• Develop and pursue RFQ opportunities from initial customer contact through quotation, product development, and award.
• Travel as necessary to meet customers, develop opportunities, and support business growth.
• Participate in manufacturing plant tours and training, including planned travel to India, to learn about manufacturing processes, quality systems, and product capabilities.
• Independently develop customer relationships, manage a territory and multiple opportunities, and pursue measurable business development goals.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement program with company match.
• Paid vacation and holidays, with flexibility to negotiate additional vacation time for the right candidate.
• Company-provided cell phone and PC/laptop.
• Reimbursement for approved business travel and expenses.
• Bonus program recognizing achievement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time