Business Development Representative

Under the direction of the National Fleet Sales Manager, the Business Development Representative is an entry level sales position within the Howmet Wheel Systems (HWS) Commercial organization.  The incumbent will engage in an extensive 4-month training program to learn the industry, the company, sales channels, competition, territory management, industry stakeholders and the sales process.  The training program will include traveling with several outside sales representatives, as well as learning from relevant stakeholders.  The Business Development Representative role is designed to prepare the incumbent to be effective in an outside sales environment after approx. 18-24 months of experience (including the 4 months training). This position is based in Cleveland, OH and is in a hybrid work setting.

The Business Development Representative is accountable for conducting inside sales activity to identify opportunities over the phone and/or qualify leads to transition to an outside sales representative.  The inside sales activity will consist of the following:

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Prospecting appropriate targets within assigned territory.  Appropriate targets will consist of, but not be limited to Fleets, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Dealers, Small OEM’s, Original Equipment Parts and Service Dealers, and Distributors.  Prospecting activity will consist of the following:

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Identification of relevant sized fleets and dealers from third party or internal contact databases (i.e. Fleetseek, Rig Dig, social media, web search etc.)

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Utilizing the internet (and other means) to supplement third party database with additional information regarding the target as well as contact information.  Examples of 3rd party databases include LinkedIn, Facebook, Dealer websites, Fleet websites, industry organization websites, etc.

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Qualify/quantify leads through phone calls (and other communication if necessary) by identifying the appropriate decision maker, confirming 3rd party data, and obtaining critical information about the target (ie. previous year’s equipment purchases, current year’s equipment purchase intentions, trade cycles, wheel specifications, etc.)

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Relate with the target and engage in the discovery process to understand the target’s relevant needs and pain points (ie. maintenance costs, resale value, light-weighting, price, etc.)

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Actively sell the value proposition of Howmet Wheels Systems to fleets and dealers and obtain verbal agreement for specifying Howmet Wheel Systems.

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Collaborate with Fleet Territory Manager in addressing targets that cannot be closed over the phone

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Verify wins and identify losses by confirming the equipment purchases with the fleet, OEM, and/or dealer

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Record all communications with targets in the CRM system

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Participate in marketing initiatives or other related activity as directed by the National Fleet Sales Manager.  This will include but not be limited to conducting market research, verifying wins for Fleet Territory Manager, gather market intelligence, run monthly reports etc.

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Participate and represent Howmet Wheel Systems at some dealer events or open houses in the territory

Environment & Organization Structure:

This position’s business environment includes an office setting. Key contacts are with management, finance, marketing, purchasing, product safety, maintenance and technical representatives of major fleets, truck/trailer dealers and industry stakeholders. Internal contacts include all disciplines of Howmet Wheels Systems (HWS.)

The incumbent reports to the Fleet Territory Manager, who in turn reports to the National Fleet Sales Manager.

As conditions are constantly changing within HWS and in the marketplace, the incumbent must effectively apply knowledge and skill in creating an acceptable balance of the customer needs and the company's current capabilities.

The principle emphasis of this position is to increase the usage of aluminum wheels versus steel wheels among major fleets in the territory by collaborating with the Fleet Territory Manager. The Business Development Representative needs to work in tandem with the Territory Manager by understanding customer pain points and advocating a solution that adds value to the fleet both operationally and financially. This involves extensive technical or functional specification selling along with diligent follow-up after the fleet/dealer has converted to Howmet Wheel Systems. Because of potential liability exposure inherent in wheel products, this specification selling and follow-up service activity requires extensive technical/application knowledge of trucking and wheel products.

The incumbent needs to work and collaborate with the Fleet Territory Manager at all times to execute the strategy for the territory to drive sustainable growth.

#LI-Hybrid

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution;
• 0-2 years of sales or customer service experience
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in management/business or engineering from an accredited institution;
• Strong communications, interpersonal, leadership, presentation and computer skills;  Excel, Powerpoint, , Salesforce CRM, or similar
• Knowledge of automobile/commercial vehicle industry
• Commercial and customer relations skills - as this is a key part of properly understanding, marketing and selling wheels. 
• Previous Inside Sales or Telemarketing experience desirable.

About Howmet Aerospace

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With $6.6 billion in revenue in 2023, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world. To learn more about the way Howmet Aerospace Inc. is advancing the sustainability of our customers, markets, and communities where we operate, review the 2023 Environmental Social and Governance report at www.howmet.com/esg-report.

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Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.


If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email TalentAcquisitionCoE_Howmet@howmet.com

Howmet Wheel System is sold under Alcoa® Wheels brand which is a global leader in the commercial transportation industry, renowned for inventing the forged aluminum wheel in 1948. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, Alcoa Wheels has achieved a 35% weight reduction of forged aluminum wheels since 1996. The newest wheel ULT36 weighs a mere 36 lbs. Alcoa Wheels delivers breakthrough solutions with proprietary alloy and surface treatment technologies such as Dura-Bright®, Dura-Flange®, and Dura-Black®. All its innovative efforts make trucks, trailers, and buses lighter, more fuel-efficient, durable, and visually striking. With a global presence and extensive manufacturing capabilities, Alcoa® Wheels is dedicated to leading the industry toward a greener and more prosperous future.