JOB SUMMARY

This position will be out of our Chicago or Itasca/Oak Brook, IL office. The Business Development Manager, Architectural Solutions, will drive strategic business development priorities and relationships to cultivate business and elevate the organization’s reputation across the market. They will serve as product experts, spotlighting trends and advancing products and processes to enhance client experiences and solutions. They will host and represent the organization at industry and networking events to strengthen brand and market presence. They will collaborate with external partners and internal sales and operational teams to position leads, projects, the function, and market for success.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, construction management or equivalent industry experience
• Three plus years of business development experience

• Exposure and/or working knowledge (proficiency) in key technical areas:

  o read construction specifications, drawings, and details
  o local building code
  o acoustic capabilities, door hardware and rough material cost estimation
  o construction process and architectural product offerings

  o Bluebeam or drafting software

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and organizational skills

• Strong customer service, team, and relationship orientation
• Exude presence and positive and professional demeanor
• Self-motivated and self-directed learner
• Influence and negotiate with authenticity and a collaborative spirit
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office365 applications (including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Preferred:

• Seven plus years business development experience in the market, industry, and product line
• Proven track record in effective presentations across various situations and audiences
• Strong network across the market inclusive of A&D, General Contractors, brokers, etc.
• History of event development and execution for industry influencers and partners with proven ROI

• Business Development. Set and strategically execute quarterly and annual targets and goals driven by market, client, and/or vertical. Build a diverse network of new and existing business relationships to generate viable leads across market and/or vertical. Plan and promote events to attract industry influencers, educating them on the manufactured construction process. Collaborate with marketing team to tailor and implement effective marketing strategies for the market. Continually seek and secure opportunities to build viable prospect pipeline, representing the organization’s brand and differentiators in a compelling way. Qualify leads into potential clients through in-depth needs analysis and consultation efforts. Apply depth of product line knowledge to explore, clarify, and influence client needs. Engage with other sales leaders and partners to cultivate leads and best position organization for the win.
• Product Marketing + Advancement. Showcase product lines, features, capabilities, and benefits to advance client knowledge and interest (i.e., product demonstrations, presentations, tours). Organize product-driven events to attract and engage industry influencers. Tailor presentations to proactively spotlight product that fully satisfies and aligns with targeted industry sector and client needs. Ensure sales teams maintain a current understanding of products, processes, and applications. Maintain pulse of latest industry product trends and innovations. Drive ongoing product and process enhancements through client feedback and collaboration with vendor sales and product development teams.
• Project Positioning. Transition leads to opportunity with sales and operational team. Collaborate and advise on plans and product specifications to support the development of a comprehensive and professional quote in a timely manner.
• Relationship Management. Establish and nurture extensive network across the market inclusive of A&D, General Contractors, brokers, etc. Act as point of contact and liaison for lead gathering and generation. Maintain a comprehensive view of network’s needs, goals, and expectations. Monitor client satisfaction and efforts to ensure an exceptional customer experience.
• Brand + Market Reputation. Promote relationships and connections within and across market influencers, civic, business, and industry organizations. Participate in high-profile events that showcase client solutions, awards, and alliances, positioning organization as market and industry leader - inclusive of receptions, fundraisers, public speaking and panel engagement, conferences, and exhibitions. Capture, celebrate and promote clients testimonials and examples of exceptional client experiences. Model and reinforce the organization’s core values to the highest, representing its brand and differentiation in the industry. Engage with partners to elevate brand and strengthen alliances across A&D, commercial real estate, and vertical product lines.
• People + Cultural Development. Coach and collaborate with functional team for increased mutual success. Engage and model organization’s Core Values across interactions and relationships. Establish and nurture inclusive relationships with colleagues and across functional teams. Maintain accountability for ongoing learning and improvement required to perform job.
  Requirements: