Director of Business Development

Overview

Piston Automotive is seeking a Director of Business Development to strategically expand and deepen relationships within the automotive customer ecosystem. This role will focus on cultivating partnerships with both current and prospective automotive clients, enhancing existing relationships while emphasizing value-added services.The Director will serve as a key liaison between Piston Automotive and its automotive customers, developing strategies that demonstrate the company’s value proposition. Responsibilities include conducting market analysis, exploring collaboration opportunities, and creating targeted engagement strategies to meet the evolving needs of automotive clients.The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the automotive manufacturing landscape and be skilled in navigating complex customer relationships. This position is crucial for driving sustainable growth, expanding Piston Automotive's customer portfolio, and positioning the company as a preferred strategic partner in the competitive automotive market. 

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement , Vehicle and Product Discounts

Responsibilities

• Responsible for opportunity creation and award of business supporting long term strategic growth, diversification, and profitability targets / goals.• Manages development of new project opportunities and cost studies, obtains management approval of proposed projects, and coordinates preliminary quote submission to potential customers.• Supports electrification growth with current customers as required. • Establish & execute a targeted growth plan/roadmap in electrification.• Establish & execute strategy to grow with new customers (automotive and non-automotive) • Research and assess new emerging technologies and trends for inclusion in electrification and modular assembly.• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with business partners; coordinate with internal business teams across business units such as marketing, engineering, and other external partners to ensure sales alignment, effectiveness, common strategies, and models.• Manage development of new project opportunities, cost studies, business plans and obtain management approval of proposed projects, and coordinate/present preliminary quote submission to potential customers.• Become subject matter expert with an in-depth understanding of product(s), markets, customers, and competitors in the electrification and non-automotive space.• Develop clear and compelling product stories and value propositions.

Qualifications

• 5 years in business intelligence and new business development.• 5 years of automotive background with exposure to the electrification and automotive customer background is a plus.• Competitive growth mind-set with a strong business acumen.• Understands the drivers of business performance through metrics and data to influence change and transformation.• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline (a Master’s degree or university program certificate is a plus).• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.• Ability to put technical and strategic questions in a business framework and vice versa.• Technical Aptitude –ability to understand and be inquisitive about technology• People Skills – Ability to connect with people and create insights from those interactions.• Ability to create decision frameworks and make strategically sound and justified recommendations.• Level-headed demeanor, strong situational leadership.• Leadership – ability to rally a team and lead towards new ways of thinking and operating.• Analytical / learning oriented – ability to create insights from research and data, analyze business needs and propose product features and business models in need of addressing.• Creative – ability to look beyond the obvious considerations and look at situations and challenges differently.• Confidence to take new and bold recommendations forward.

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at pistongrouptalent@pistongroup.com. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.