Business Development Manager

SUMMARY:

Jenoptik is a leading global photonics company developing innovative technologies for high-end industries.

We are looking for a commercially driven and technically skilled Business Development Manager to drive business growth, develop new market opportunities, and strengthen strategic customer relationships within the photonics industry.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying and acquiring new customers, developing existing key accounts, and expanding our market presence across the Safety & Security market, including defense. Working closely with customers, engineering, product management, and internal sales teams, you will translate customer requirements into tailored photonics solutions including laser range finders, thermal imaging cameras, LED solutions, as well as optics and optical systems.

The ideal candidate combines a strong understanding of photonics technologies with excellent commercial skills, a customer-oriented mindset, and the ability to build long-term strategic partnerships.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):

Be the face of Jenoptik in the Safety and Security market.

Work collaboratively with global teams to develop new Accounts to help increase global market share

Proactively acquire new customers and establish relationships with key decision-makers, including R&D leaders, engineering managers, procurement teams, and executive stakeholders

Function as primary point of contact for the customer and support inside sales in resolving issues with customers

Work closely with customers’ and JO development teams to fully understand customers’ needs and technical requirements. Communicate this information both ways

Understand customer roadmaps, technical challenges, and future investment plans to anticipate business needs

Develop, present and negotiate NDAs, master service and/or supply agreements, and contracts with customers

Lead commercial negotiations, prepare quotations, and manage pricing strategies in alignment with company objectives and guidelines

Active involvement in development and execution of budgets, forecasts, quotes, and contracts for the assigned markets.

Contribute to the development of JENOPTIK’s product and technology roadmap

Develop an understanding of market segmentation, application and customer needs, competition, market trends and dynamics to support strategies to target new opportunities and threats

Regular participation in formal business reviews for worldwide executive team

Represent the company at industry events, trade fairs, conferences, and customer meetings

Be willing to “step outside of the box” and take on new responsibilities as the needs arise

Have fun

REQUIREMENTS:

At least five years of professional experience in a comparable position in

business development or sales within the optics & photonics industry - ideally in the military and security technology sector.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Electronics, Mechanical, or other science majors, or a proven experience previously selling and supporting similar technical solutions.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to prepare and present effective product presentations, and communicate professionally in written responses to emails, RFQs, and reports.

Team player and works well in complex, cross-functional, global situations.

Self-motivated, self-managing team player

Customer-oriented mindset in addition to top-tier negotiation and problem-solving skills.

Must possess “soft skills”: conflict resolution, negotiation, creative problem solving, and influencing.

Ability to work with others in a global management matrix structure.

Knowledge of German language a plus.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use of hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and keyboarding; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.