Metal Finishing Sales Development Specialist

Capron Manufacturing ~ Metal Finishing Company • Full-time • Capron, Illinois, United States • $70,000 - $90,000 / year • 3m ago

Job Overview
We are seeking a results-driven New Sales Development Specialist to support and grow our customer base in advanced surface finishing solutions, including nickel plating, porcelain enamel coating, and electropolishing. This role blends technical expertise with sales strategy—working closely with OEMs, engineers, and procurement teams to deliver high-performance, cost-effective finishing solutions. The ideal candidate will be personable, energetic, and commercially savvy, with a strong understanding of the metal finishing industry—quality standards, supply chain dynamics, logistics, and value-added services. The candidate should have experience in customer-facing sales roles, particularly working with buyers/procurers. Travel via car/air will average 1-3 days per week.

Duties

Develop and manage relationships with OEMs, Tier suppliers, and industrial manufacturers
Identify new business opportunities for nickel plating (functional & decorative), Porcelain enamel coatings (high-heat, corrosion-resistant applications), and Electropolishing (precision finishing for stainless and specialty alloys)
Collaborate with customers’ engineering and design teams to recommend optimal finishing processes
Review drawings, specs, and RFQs to ensure manufacturability and alignment with capabilities
Prepare and present technical proposals, quotes, and cost breakdowns
Act as the liaison between customer and internal teams (engineering, production, quality)
Support new product launches, sampling, and validation processes
Track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging finishing technologies
Maintain CRM pipeline and meet sales targets

Experience

3–7+ years in technical sales, metal finishing, coatings, or related manufacturing
Strong understanding of surface finishing processes (plating, coating, polishing) and Metals and material behavior (steel, stainless, alloys)
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
Experience working with OEM programs and production environments
Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Experience

Background in: Appliance, Furniture, HVAC, Medical, or Industrial components
·Familiarity with corrosion resistance standards (ASTM, ISO), Cosmetic vs. functional surface requirements, and High-volume production and cost modeling

Key Competencies