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Business Development Manager

Illinois Tool Works · IL · Remote available · $125,000–$130,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 26, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a new market you opened up for a product. How did you find the first customers?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real hunter track record of creating business from nothing rather than managing existing accounts.

Tell me about a time you spent months on a deal that did not close. What kept you going and what did you change?

What they are checking: Whether they have the persistence the posting asks for and learn from losses rather than just moving on.

Tell me about a time you worked without much structure or direction. How did you set your own priorities?

What they are checking: Whether they thrive with an entrepreneurial level of independence or need a defined path.

What would you do

How do you decide which opportunities to pursue when a long sales cycle means you only learn the outcome a year later?

What they are checking: Whether they qualify opportunities with discipline instead of spreading effort across everything.

Engineering says the product a customer wants will take two years. The customer needs it in one. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can find a workable path between customer urgency and real engineering limits.

How would you measure your own success in the first year, before major revenue shows up?

What they are checking: Whether they understand leading indicators like design wins and qualified pipeline in a long-cycle business.

About the work

What do you understand about how data centers are designed and what drives their purchasing decisions?

What they are checking: Whether they know the data center space well enough to talk credibly with engineers and buyers there.

ITW Formex makes insulation and electrical component materials. Where do you see opportunities for that kind of product in data centers?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect a component supplier's capabilities to real needs in power and cooling equipment.

Walk me through how you would build a go-to-market plan for a new data center product line.

What they are checking: Whether they can structure targeting, channels, pricing and milestones rather than just chasing leads.

How do you gather market requirements from customers and non-customers, and how do you turn that into a product specification?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate field conversations into requirements that engineering can actually build.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Illinois Tool Works.

Job Description: Company Description ITW Electronic Component Solutions (ECS) comprises globally recognized and industry-leading brands known for their specialized product technologies. These brands are key suppliers to various markets, combining expertise and innovation to provide advanced electronic component solutions. Operating under one group enhances their technological strength and positions ITW ECS as a global leader in the field. The ITW ECS family includes ITW Formex, ITW Linx, and ITW Lumex, each offering unique products and contributions to the industry. The Business Development Manager will focus on expanding the ITW Formex data center business and take ownership of delivering results and growth. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic. Candidates will need to be comfortable leveraging an entrepreneurial spirit, hunter mindset, long-term strategic planning skills, and persistence in developing new data center opportunities to create great business development outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Identify new business/product development potential that can drive growth and profitability for ITW Formex, focusing on the data center space • Specify market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by ongoing visits to customers and non-customers • Develop and implement a go-to-market plan, working with all departments to execute • Analyze potential and existing markets to identify business opportunities • Coordinate customer requirements to the Formex US/Formex Shanghai engineering team for quick turnaround on solutions to customers • Assist the relevant management in resourcing, budgeting, and problem solving activities of ITW Formex and other activities that will help to increase the recognition of ITW Formex products • Provide regular updates on market competition and analysis to management and relative departments • Develop short-term and long-range plans for increased penetration and sales within market segment • Submit monthly status reports by product line on key activities for increased sales • Work with OEM, ODM and CM on fabricator opportunities and solutions • Grow revenue base Minimum Required Education and Skills: • Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Sciences, Engineering, Marketing or Sales • Data Center background, ideally with familiarity of "infrastructure" build of server rack and power installation channels • Minimum 3 years' experience proactively identifying and pursuing new business opportunities • Demonstrated hunter mindset - track record of seeking new opportunities and building a strong sales pipeline • Ability to develop and make presentations for existing and prospective customers • Possess the ability to cope with stress, work under pressure and effectively prioritize duties • Possess effective communication and writing skills • Ability to recognize opportunities and manage projects effectively • Ability to multi-task: must be able to complete several tasks together and meet deadlines • Ability to travel 50% of the time • Ability to negotiate and dialogue with customers / suppliers • Ability to lead in new product/service research for the ECS Global success • Be self-motivated, possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be able to develop a comprehensive knowledge of products offered by ITW Formex and its applications Preferred Education and Skills: • MBA preferred • Working knowledge of extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming & compounding • Familiarity of UL 94, ASTM, IATL-16949, DIN Standards, ISO-9001 The sales territory for this position will be the entire United States with a focus on growing our data center business. Ideal candidates should be located in the Midwest near a major airport for frequent travel. Compensation Information: Final Compensation decisions will be made on a variety of factors, but our base salary range is $125,000-$130,000 plus variable compensation target. Why ITW ECS? Here’s what we offer to help you build the future you want: • Generous Retirement Benefits – 401(k) match PLUS an additional retirement contribution to help you plan for the future. • Paid Time Off – Paid holidays, sick days, and vacation time to take time for what matters. • Company-Paid Insurance – Life, AD&D, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance to give you peace of mind. • Family-Friendly Benefits – Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement to support your family journey. • Education Assistance – Tuition reimbursement because we believe in investing in your personal and professional development. Compensation Information: Final Compensation decisions will be made on a variety of factors, but our base salary range is $125,000-$130,000 plus variable compensation target. ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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