Business Development Manager
Sharpe Engineering & Equipment is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to drive growth by identifying, pursuing, and securing new customer relationships across the food & beverage industry. This outward-facing sales leader will focus on opening doors, developing early-stage opportunities, and expanding Sharpe’s footprint across process, packaging, automation, and compliance solutions.
You’ll work closely with Engineering, Controls, and Project Management to uncover client needs, shape high-level technical solutions, and transition new customers into long-term partnerships. This role reflects Sharpe’s Core Values: Integrity, Collaboration, Responsibility, Commitment to Stakeholders, and People-Centric Focus.
Key Responsibilities
- New Business Development
- Identify, target, and pursue new customer opportunities aligned with Sharpe’s ideal client profile.
- Execute outbound prospecting strategies across targeted markets, geographies, and customer segments.
- Initiate and lead early-stage conversations with decision-makers and key influencers.
- Qualify opportunities based on technical fit, budget, timing, and strategic alignment.
- Sales Pipeline & Opportunity Development
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of new business opportunities.
- Lead discovery discussions to understand customer challenges and identify Sharpe solutions.
- Collaborate with technical and engineering teams to develop high-level solution concepts.
- Advance opportunities through proposal development and contract stages.
- Leverage CRM/ERP tools for pipeline management, forecasting, and reporting.
- Market & Relationship Development
- Represent Sharpe at customer sites, industry events, trade shows, and networking functions.
- Build relationships with industry partners, vendors, and influencers to generate leads.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities.
- Handoff & Collaboration
- Transition new customers to an Account Manager – Technical Sales once established.
- Ensure a smooth handoff with clear documentation of customer needs, expectations, and opportunities.
- Partner closely with internal teams to support strong first-project execution.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or business preferred (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of experience in business development, technical sales, or consultative selling.
- Proven success generating new business within food & beverage, manufacturing, automation, or related industries.
- Strong hunter mentality with disciplined prospecting and follow-through.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts at a high level to non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience selling complex, high-value solutions, and capital projects.
- Proficiency with CRM/ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to travel up to 40–50% for client meetings and industry events.
Why Join Sharpe?
At Sharpe, growth is intentional. As a Business Development Manager, you’ll be on the front edge of expanding our customer base, opening doors, creating opportunity, and shaping the future of the organization. You’ll be supported by experienced technical teams, a respected brand, and a collaborative culture that values smart growth over volume. If you’re motivated by building relationships from the ground up, selling meaningful engineering solutions, and seeing the direct impact of your work, Sharpe offers a powerful platform to succeed.
Sharpe Engineering & Equipment is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Email a resume to careers@sharpeengineering.com or press “Apply” Below.
Posted 2/2/26