Business Development Manager

PaneraTech, Inc. Fairfax, Virginia, United States Business Development

About this position

About PaneraTech, Inc.

PaneraTech is a high-tech company that serves manufacturers in over 40 countries. Our disruptive technology offers unparalleled solutions that are often patent-protected. Industries that use high-temperature processes, such as glass and steel, rely on PaneraTech to solve the major challenges they face. We leverage both AI and human expertise to improve efficiency, worker knowledge, and safety. We help in two major areas:

  • Asset Life Extension – Our patented Digital Vessel Management solution helps glass and steel manufacturers make data-driven decisions using advanced sensors, data, and AI. This results in longer refractory campaigns, reduced downtime, and increased annual production.
  • Enabling the next generation of workers – We bridge the experience gap in heavy industries through accessible technology and actionable data. Our tools support earlier-career operators and engineers to perform with confidence and consistency in complex production environments.

At PaneraTech, you’ll be part of a global, innovative, and hybrid team. Our corporate office is based in the U.S., with teammates across Europe, Asia, and South America. Our collaborative culture values creativity, curiosity, and continuous improvement, and we’re excited to welcome professionals who thrive in fast-moving environments and care deeply about making a real impact.


About the opportunity

We’ve helped over 300 plants globally optimize refractory performance, extend asset life, and save millions using our patented Digital Vessel Management platform.

Our technology is proven in the glass industry. Now, we’re scaling in steel, and we’re looking for a bold, strategic sales professional to own that growth.

If you understand steel plant operations, thrive in complex environments, and get energized by unlocking growth in a market that’s ready, this is your opportunity to lead.

What you'll do

Build the Market

  • Own and develop our U.S. steel territory, from identifying high-value targets to closing the 6+ figure deals
  • Create strategic account plans across integrated mills, mini-mills, foundries, and specialty steel producers
  • Leverage PaneraTech’s industry-leading reputation in glass, where our SmartMelter® technology is the trusted standard to win over the steel market with confidence.
  • Prospect, qualify, and build a pipeline through outreach, events, and industry referrals.
  • Drive market expansion and year-over-year growth in the steel industry by introducing a data-driven approach that’s transforming how steel plants operate.

Sell with technical credibility

  • Speak credibly with plant managers, engineers, and VPs of Operations as a trusted advisor and sought-after partner in solving operational challenges.
  • Understand refractory vessel cycles, campaign management, and downtime risk
  • Show how our AI-driven, sensor-powered solution extends refractory life, optimizes operations, and reduces cost
  • Translate data and predictive insights into operational and financial impact by shifting mindsets, proving ROI, and showing what's possible when plants operate with better information.

 

Navigate and Close Complex, High-Value Sales

  • Build credibility with experienced buyers and help them embrace a new, data-driven way of working.
  • Navigate long sales cycles with complex stakeholders across operations, finance, and engineering
  • Accelerate the close by showing both strategic value and lasting operational impact
  • Focus on long-term value by driving adoption and retention through results

Qualifications

Must-Haves

  • 3–5+ years of B2B sales success, ideally in steel, industrial tech, or capital equipment
  • Credibility in the plant:  you understand how steel production works, speak the language of operations and maintenance, and earn trust by connecting with the realities of vessel campaigns and downtime pressure
  • Hunter mentality - self-motivated, disciplined, and excited to drive growth in an emerging market
  • Strategic thinker - balances short-term wins with long-term territory development
  • Strong communicator - fluent across technical teams, plant operations, and executive leadership
  • Confident navigating complex, high-value technical sales cycles
  • U.S.-based with willingness to travel 50-75%

Ideal Background

  • Experience in or selling to steel mills, foundries, or metal processing plants
  • Background in engineering, metallurgy, or industrial operations
  • Familiarity with refractory vessel life cycles, asset monitoring, and plant maintenance challenges
  • Deep network within the steel industry
  • Experience using sales tools such as Salesforce or other CRMs, and email automation platforms


What You'll Get

Financial

  • Competitive base salary with aggressive, uncapped commission
  • Six-figure+ total compensation expected; top performers can exceed significantly
  • High-impact role with visibility, ownership, and reward for delivering results

Professional

  • Own and grow a market that’s primed for disruption
  • Use your deep understanding of steel to introduce a proven technology with measurable ROI
  • Collaborate with technical experts and commercial leadership to shape go-to-market strategy
  • Join a global innovation company that’s transforming how heavy industry works