Business Development Manager - Mobility
Date: Jul 23, 2025
Location: Rochester Hills, MI, US, 48309 MN, US WI, US
Company: Gates Corporation
Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.
Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.
Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward-thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Rochester Hills office, Minneapolis, or Milwaukee you will be responsible for creating and executing strategies to drive growth in the original equipment (OE) segment within the mobility market, including motorcycles, scooters, UTV/ATV and the broader powersports segment. This role requires a dynamic individual who can prospect new business opportunities, engage with customers, define early-stage product specifications, and manage customer relationships to ensure successful product launches. Additionally, the manager will develop sales channels, pricing models, and strategic partnerships tailored to the unique demands of the North America customers. The role also involves collaboration with global teams while ensuring that Gates’ products meet the specific customer’s needs.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Growth and Execution:
- Formulate and implement a business strategy to drive growth in the NA mobility market, creating localized product roadmaps specific to the region.
-
- Serve as the Voice of the Customer within the organization and a strong advocate to meet customer performance expectations.
- Sales Planning and Forecasting:
- Establish and forecast regional sales quotas, ensuring accurate projections for both new and existing products.
- Analyze trends to recommend pricing strategies and adjust for market-specific conditions.
-
- Support broader corporate growth initiatives.
- Technology and Market Alignment:
- Ensure Gates' product and technology offerings align with regional customer requirements.
- Oversee customer training on the latest technologies and systems.
- Market and Product Development:
- Research and evaluate new market opportunities to enhance product value and profitability.
- Collect customer feedback and collaborate with internal teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Customer and Partner Relationship Management:
- Build strong relationships with key customers and suppliers, establishing Gates as a leader in the mobility market.
- Strengthen Gates’ position through partnerships with leading industry players in the mobility space.
Specific responsibilities by area:
- Regional Mobility Sales:
- Drive OE specifications and product volume with major North American brands.
- Business Development Strategies and Processes:
- Develop go-to-market strategies to support growth within the NA OE mobility space.
- Manage pricing strategies and develop strategic partnerships to strengthen Gates’ position in the market.
- Technical and Marketing Tools Development:
- Address gaps in application engineering data and tools tailored to market needs.
- Develop sales and marketing tools specific to the mobility customer base.
- New & Improved Products:
- Champion the development and launch of new products based on customer insights.
Requirements and Preferred Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Engineering Technology or Business (MBA preferred).
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience with at least 5 years business development or account sales experience.
- Deep knowledge of motorcycles, scooters and power sports market is highly preferred.
- Strong sales, marketing, and negotiation skills; passion for customer success.
- In-depth knowledge of power transmission products and their applications in the power sports industry.
- Experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional initiatives.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication abilities.
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes and supply chain strategy.
- Experience with pipeline reviews and commercial performance tracking.
- Networking and partnership development within the Motorcycle and Powersports communities.
- Excellent time management and resource prioritization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM tools.
- Domestic travel within NA is expected to be up to 40% of the time to visit customers and Gates facilities. Occasional international travel (up to 10%) to other company facilities or customers may be required.
- Excited to work in the office with great teammates.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.
Pay & Benefits
- Full-Time
- SIP Eligible
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
- Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
- 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
- Tuition Reimbursement
Why Gates?
Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.
Work Environment
Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.
#LI-JS2
Nearest Major Market: Detroit