Business Development Manager – Commercial

Trust Automation

Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an “at-will” relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice. 

Job Summary

This role will lead the identification, development, and advancement of new business opportunities aligned with Trust Automation's capabilities in advanced motion control, power management, custom assemblies, and integrated technical solutions. A key focus will be expanding the company’s presence in power generation and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) markets, while also supporting broader commercial growth across adjacent applications and industries.

The Business Development Manager, Commercial will work closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to define market priorities, build customer relationships, support strategic planning, and convert opportunities into long-term business.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as the business development lead for assigned commercial market segments and strategic growth areas.
• Identify, qualify, develop, and manage new business opportunities and key customer accounts within commercial and industrial markets.
• Drive growth initiatives related to power generation, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), and related integrated power solutions, while also supporting broader commercial opportunities aligned with Trust Automation’s capabilities.
• Develop and execute market strategies, sales plans, account plans, and territory development efforts to achieve revenue and growth objectives.
• Research and identify new market opportunities, customer needs, industry trends, channel relationships, and adjacent applications for Trust Automation products and capabilities.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Product, Engineering, and Operations to align customer needs with technical capabilities, business strategy, and internal execution.
• Help establish and refine short and long-range commercial sales and marketing objectives in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Support pricing strategy by analyzing product cost, price positioning, market competitiveness, and return on investment.
• Maintain disciplined pipeline development and opportunity tracking, including regular reporting of plans, activities, forecasts, and business development progress to leadership.
• Coordinate sales efforts for both new and existing accounts, with emphasis on relationship development, account growth, and long-cycle opportunity advancement.
• Promote and represent Trust Automation at trade shows, seminars, customer meetings, business events, and other industry-facing activities.
• Support development of customer-facing and market-facing materials, including presentations, capability statements, promotional materials, and event support tools.
• Work with Marketing and leadership to support advertising, communications, and market awareness initiatives.
• Contribute to annual and multi-year business planning efforts, including market outlook, strategic growth planning, and commercial expansion priorities.
• Identify, evaluate, and help manage domestic and international sales representatives, channel partners, and distributors, as applicable.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers, partners, vendors, distributors, and external stakeholders.
• Recommend and support improvements to commercial processes, policies, and operating procedures that enhance effectiveness and scalability.
• Support leadership in evaluating sales performance, market feedback, revenue trends, and overall commercial effectiveness.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the commercial organization within approved business priorities and budget parameters.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Engineering, or a related field. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of successful experience in a senior technical sales, commercial business development, or marketing role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic and tactical sales planning and execution.
• Experience identifying and growing new business opportunities in technical, industrial, manufacturing, power, or engineered product markets.
• Familiarity with power generation, Auxiliary Power Units (APUs), power systems, or related commercial and industrial equipment markets is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of pricing, contracts, negotiation, and change management.
• Experience supporting sales quotas, goals, revenue expectations, and business growth planning.
• Ability to research markets, develop strategies, and capitalize on new commercial opportunities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to customers, partners, and internal leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trusted relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight timeframes.
• Strong analytical and logical reasoning skills.
• Experience organizing, facilitating, and participating in group meetings, customer meetings, and business reviews.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Product, Engineering, Operations, and leadership teams.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, customer requirements, and travel demands.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business reporting tools.
• Valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record may be required if driving for company purposes is requested and agreed upon.
• Ability to participate in identity verification processes required for secure customer or government portal access, where applicable.
• This position may be asked to drive for company purposes during the course of employment. If asked and agreed upon, employees must possess a valid California Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• May Participate in the identity verification process to access secure client or government portals by authorizing certified supplier or customer management platforms to obtain information from your personal credit profile or other information, solely to verify your identity. 

Preferred  Requirements

• Experience in advanced manufacturing, electromechanical systems, motion control, power management, or integrated technical products.
• Experience supporting commercial growth in power generation, mobile power, industrial equipment, ruggedized technology, or adjacent technical markets.
• Familiarity with OEM, integrator, distributor, or channel-driven business models.
• Experience working in long-cycle sales environments involving customized or engineered solutions.
• Background in developing go-to-market strategies for new products, applications, or adjacent markets.
• Experience supporting trade shows, market campaigns, product launches, and strategic account development.

Work Environment / Expectations

This position requires regular engagement with customers, partners, and internal teams in both office and field settings. Travel may be required for customer meetings, trade shows, demonstrations, and other business development activities. The successful candidate must be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift based on customer timing, program activity, and market demand.

Physical Requirements

• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person, on the telephone or virtually.
• Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, or assemble/manufacture intricate items.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods.
• Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
• Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.

Pay/Salary Information

Pay scale for this position - $131,000.00 - $155,000.00 annually + Commission