How to apply for Business Development Manager

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a global leader in innovative industrial technology, renowned for enhancing safety and resilience in communities worldwide. Working here means contributing to cutting-edge products like Liftpod that directly impact facility maintenance and public safety. The company's commitment to innovation and community well-being makes it a compelling place for professionals who want to drive meaningful change.

About the role

As a Business Development Manager, you'll spearhead the growth of Liftpod and Low Level Access products in North America using a pull strategy. Your work will involve building partnerships with Dewalt, expanding into facilities maintenance across various sectors, and identifying key influencers. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape market adoption and revenue growth for a critical product line.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a virtual meeting with the Dewalt team to align on co-marketing initiatives, followed by analyzing market data to identify potential early adopters. You'd then prepare for an exhibition by coordinating logistics and rehearsing a product demo, and end the day reviewing partnership proposals from facility maintenance companies.

Who Oshkosh Corporation is looking for

• A strategic thinker with 5+ years experience in business development, ideally in industrial equipment or facility maintenance sectors.
• Proven ability to engage C-suite executives and present persuasive business cases for new product adoption.
• Strong project management skills, able to orchestrate cross-functional teams and manage change initiatives.
• Data-driven and analytical, with experience in market analysis and forecasting to identify early adopters and influencers.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with pull marketing strategies (e.g., demand creation through education and events, not just direct sales).
• Emphasize familiarity with Dewalt's brand ecosystem and how you've partnered with similar brands to drive co-branded sales.
• Quantify your success in expanding into new market segments like light industry or public facilities with specific revenue or market share numbers.
• Showcase executive presentation skills by mentioning a specific instance where you influenced C-level decisions.
• Tailor your resume to include change management examples, as Oshkosh values adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Express enthusiasm for Oshkosh's mission of enhancing safety and resilience through innovative products like Liftpod.", "Detail your experience in creating demand through pull strategies and how you've successfully identified early adopters.", 'Demonstrate your ability to manage cross-functional projects and drive change in a matrix organization.', "Mention specific sectors you've worked with (e.g., retail facilities, commercial maintenance) that align with the role's focus."]

Research before applying

• Study Oshkosh's recent product launches, especially Liftpod and Low Level Access products, and their market positioning.
• Read about Oshkosh's corporate social responsibility initiatives and how they tie into community resilience.
• Familiarize yourself with Dewalt's facilities maintenance product line and any existing partnerships with Oshkosh.
• Look at industry trends in facilities maintenance (e.g., IoT, safety regulations) to show awareness during interviews.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you develop a pull strategy for Liftpod in the North American market? What channels would you prioritize?
• Describe a time you successfully influenced a key decision-maker (e.g., a facility manager) to adopt a new product.
• How do you approach identifying early adopters in a new market segment? Provide a specific example.
• Give an example of a change management initiative you led and the outcomes.
• How would you measure success for the Dewalt partnership? What KPIs would you track?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Oshkosh, Liftpod, or the pull strategy specifically.
• Failing to quantify achievements (e.g., 'increased sales' without percentages or dollar amounts).
• Overlooking the importance of change management experience – Oshkosh values adaptability and transformation.