Development director Jobs in Rockford, IL

Business Development Leader

ITW (NYSE: ITW) is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturing leader with revenue of $16 billion in 2025. The company's seven industry-leading segments leverage the unique ITW Business Model to drive solid growth with best-in-class margins and returns in markets where highly innovative, customer-focused solutions are required. ITW's approximately 44,000 dedicated colleagues around the world thrive in the company's decentralized and entrepreneurial culture.

ITW Seats specialize in delivering innovative precision engineered plastic solutions to the furniture industry and to leading OEMs and their tier suppliers globally. We are also experts in the interface between the seat back, and head restraint, we create solutions that facilitate smooth adjustment, and positioning, with minimized efforts, enabling optimal passenger safety and creative architectural seating.

The division has +300 employees, 5 global manufacturing sites and presence in North America, Germany and Spain.

Results-driven Business Development leader with a strong hunter mindset and proven success expanding market share, building strategic customer relationships, and driving revenue growth. Experienced in value-based selling, and long-term growth planning. Adept at aligning cross-functional teams, developing go-to-market strategies, and negotiating high-value deals. Known for combining analytical rigor with entrepreneurial thinking to deliver profitable growth in dynamic environments.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

Business Development & Customer Engagement

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities to drive revenue growth.
• Build and strengthen relationships across multiple levels within customer organizations.
• Understand customer strategies, priorities, and long-term needs.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline through proactive prospecting and networking.

Sales & Negotiation

• Lead negotiation strategies, aligning outcomes with company objectives.
• Deliver timely, accurate quotes that maximize value and competitiveness.
• Influence decision-making and drive to successful closure.
• Create innovative solutions to meet customer and business needs.

Strategic Planning & Market Analysis

• Identify high-impact opportunities using 80/20 principles.
• Develop product and pricing strategies focused on value delivery and profitability.
• Define "where to play" and "how to win" in target segments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with engineering, marketing, and operations teams to deliver customer solutions.
• Lead go-to-market initiatives and ensure alignment across departments.
• Communicate customer requirements to internal teams for rapid response.

Performance & Growth Planning

• Analyze financial data and market intelligence to inform decision-making.
• Provide regular updates on pipelines, competition, and market trends.
• Develop short-term and long-range plans for increased penetration and sales within market segment.

Position Skills and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Marketing, Sales, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in business development or sales, with a focus on new business acquisition
• Proven track record of building pipelines and closing new business.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret market and financial data.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations to customers.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate and influence outcomes.
• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated hunter mindset - track record of seeking new opportunities and building a strong sale pipeline.
• Possess the ability to cope with stress, work under pressure and effectively prioritize duties.
• Possess effective communication and writing skills.
• Ability to recognize opportunities and manage projects effectively.
• Ability to multi-task: must be able to complete several tasks together and meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel 50% of the time.
• Be self-motivated, possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be able to develop a comprehensive knowledge of products offered by ITW Seats and its applications.
• Ability to develop budgets and product forecast to a business plan with the Long-Range Plan and Annual Plan measurable.
• Proven ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external customers/contacts, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a result driven, team- oriented environment.

Key Competencies

• Value-based technical sales approach
• Customer relationship building and stakeholder management.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong collaboration and team orientation
• Market analysis and competitive insight development
• Ability to balance "hunting" for new business with strategic account growth.

Special Requirements:

Position requires travel, primarily within assigned region (approx. 25-50%). Must have valid driver's license and good driving record. Must be able to travel internationally, if required.

Compensation Information:

$130,000-$150,000

We offer a comprehensive benefits program that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues' unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.