Business Development Manager

At KI Industries, Inc., an employee-owned (ESOP) manufacturer of decorative plastic injection-molded and die-cast components, we believe culture and performance go hand in hand. Our workplace is built on ownership, trust, respect and accountability—where employees are empowered to do meaningful work and win together.

Being named Plastics News Best Places to Work nine years in a row isn’t luck—it’s the result of how we show up for our people and our customers.

The Opportunity

This role is not account management.

This is a true hunter position.

If you thrive on opening doors, chasing new opportunities, and closing business that didn’t exist yesterday, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re looking for a Business Development Manager to aggressively grow new business in the Automotive and Appliance markets, expanding KI’s footprint with customers that align with our manufacturing capabilities and long-term growth strategy.

What You’ll Do

Hunt for new business —identify, pursue, and close new accounts in targeted industries and regions

Build a pipeline from scratch through cold calling, prospecting, networking, and strategic outreach

Develop and execute go-to-market strategies to penetrate new markets and customer segments

Consistently meet or exceed new-business-focused sales targets

Partner closely with engineering, production, and marketing to deliver solutions that win

Create compelling proposals, presentations, and pricing strategies tailored to each prospect

Build trusted relationships with decision-makers across procurement, operations, and executive leadership

Monitor market trends, competitors, and customer needs to stay ahead

Maintain accurate CRM data, forecasts, and pipeline updates for leadership

Candidates in the Chicagoland area will work a hybrid schedule; outside of Chicago, the position is remote.

What We’re Looking For

A proven hunter mindset—self-driven, resilient, and motivated by the chase (plastic industry experience is a must)

5+ years of business development or sales experience in manufacturing or industrial B2B

Demonstrated success landing new accounts and attaining new-business goals

Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

Ability to sell technical solutions by collaborating cross-functionally

Comfort with CRM tools and metrics-driven sales processes

Willingness to travel for prospecting, presentations, and industry events

Experience in the Automotive industry (appliance industry experience a plus)

Bachelors or Masters degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or a similar field

Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Outlook

Willingness to travel 25-50% depending on location

Nice to Have

Technical background in manufacturing, engineering, or industrial products

Experience selling to OEMs or Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers

Established industry relationships and regional market knowledge

What We Offer

A high-impact role with real influence on company growth

Competitive compensation with uncapped earning potential

Employee ownership (ESOP) so your contributions build long-term valu

Comprehensive benefits package

A high-accountability, low-politics environment where results are recognize

A people-first culture with meaningful engagement programs—not gimmick

Stability, support, and the freedom to build and grow your book of business

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

KI Industries, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact humanresources@kiindustries.com.

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