Business Development Director

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society. About the role We are seeking a high-impact, results-driven Business Development Director with a deep, hands-on comprehension of the pumping world, industrial markets, and municipal space to lead growth initiatives and commercial operations for our FLOW division. Operating in a strict Business-to-Business (B2B) environment, this leader will drive strategic Growth Driver Plans (GDP), champion channel partner and distributor networks, and directly oversee and mentor our Regional Marketing Team and our Order Entry/Sales Support Processing Team . If you possess a strong commercial background rooted in pumps and fluid handling, combined with process optimization (LEAN/VBSS) and team leadership—and are based within practical traveling distance of our Easley, SC facility—we want to hear from you. Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities: Spearhead business development tailored specifically to the municipal and industrial water/pumping markets, partnering with Regional Sales Heads and Segment Heads to execute monthly Growth Driver Plans (GDP). Optimize, support, and expand our network of distributors and channel partners across the industrial and municipal space to maximize market reach. Direct, mentor, and align the Regional Marketing team and the Order Entry Processing team to ensure seamless workflow, high morale, and tight coordination between marketing, sales operations, and order fulfillment. Drive the execution and high user adoption of sales optimization tools (Salesforce CRM, CPQ, SAPConf), monitoring utilization and resolving roadblocks to internal efficiency. Apply LEAN, VBSS, or similar continuous improvement methodologies to identify and remove waste in internal business processes, order entry, and customer-facing workflows. Oversee data mining, ERP data accessibility, and management-level dashboards to track Order Intake (OI), Sales, and rolling forecasts. Liaise with Finance and Strategy to support budgeting, regular pipeline reviews, CRM maintenance, and the preparation of high-level corporate presentations. Job Requirements & Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Marketing, or a related commercial/technical field (Master’s / MBA preferred). 8+ years of progressive commercial experience— with a mandatory, hands-on background in the municipal or industrial pumping world (B2B) . Must possess a thorough, practical comprehension of industrial channel partners, manufacturer's reps, and equipment distributors. Proven track record of managing, developing, and motivating cross-functional teams (specifically including marketing professionals and order entry/processing or customer service operations). Location & Travel Requirements: Residency: Must reside within regional proximity and manageable traveling distance to our Easley, SC facility (preferred states: South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, or the Midwest). Work Style: Remote-compatible role with the flexibility for routine travel to the Easley, SC office and key regional locations as business needs dictate. What we offer you Competitive Paid Time Off 12 Company Paid Holidays per year Annual Bonus Program Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Company Paid Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Company Paid Life Insurance 6% 401K or Roth Company Match with Immediate Vesting Company Paid Retirement Security Contributions following 1 year of employment Tuition Reimbursement/Educational Assistance Quarterly Gym Reimbursement Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.