Business Development Manager

Platinum Edge Inc. Recruitment Firm; Burlington; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A distributor of innovative products serving the swimming pool industry seeks a Business Development Manager. The role involves driving sales performance, developing marketing strategies, and managing key customer relationships. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of sales experience and strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills. This position is permanent and full-time, offering opportunities for leadership and growth within a motivated environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive sales experience, ideally in pool or lighting products.
• Experience with CRM and customer database management.
• Strong technical selling ability or aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales performance and develop marketing strategies.
• Manage key customer relationships and provide ongoing support.
• Analyze market research and provide insights to management.

Skills

Sales experience

Negotiation skills

Presentation skills

Relationship-building skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Proficiency with Microsoft 365

CRM/sales software

Education

Formal sales training program

MBA or relevant post-graduate education

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time (35–40 hours/week)

About the Company

Our client is a growing, privately owned distributor of innovative products serving the swimming pool industry. Based in Burlington, ON, the company partners with dealers and distributors across the market and is known for hands-on customer support, technical product knowledge, and strong industry relationships. This is an excellent opportunity to join a nimble organization where your ideas, leadership, and results will directly impact growth.

Role Overview

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for driving sales performance, developing marketing strategies, and managing key customer relationships. This role blends strategic planning, hands-on selling, and customer engagement, making it ideal for a self-driven sales leader who enjoys being close to both the product and the market.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Leadership & Coaching

• Inspire, motivate, and hold accountable a small sales team (currently 1 direct report).
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development to support performance and growth.
• Organize and lead regular sales and marketing meetings to track KPIs and results.

Sales Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement short- and long-term sales and marketing strategies aligned with company goals.
• Establish sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales targets, quotas, and territory plans.
• Identify new sales opportunities, key accounts, and channel partners.
• Meet or exceed sales and revenue objectives.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and implement communication, promotional, and marketing strategies.
• Assist with the creation of brochures, newsletters, presentations, and other marketing materials.
• Review and evaluate marketing programs and communication initiatives for effectiveness.
• Coordinate and attend industry trade shows, events, and customer-facing initiatives.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with dealers, distributors, and key customers.
• Manage and maintain the digital customer database (Map My Customers / CRM).
• Visit customers regularly and provide after-sales training and ongoing support.
• Consult with clients post-sale to ensure satisfaction and long-term partnership.

Market & Data Analysis

• Analyze market research, competitive products, and sales data to inform decision-making.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights to management.
• Prepare reports, forecasts, and sales intelligence for internal stakeholders.

Product & Technical Knowledge

• Develop a deep understanding of the company’s products and their applications.
• Collaborate with management on product development and improvements.
• Quickly learn new technologies and product offerings (pool industry experience preferred).

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• 5+ years of progressive sales experience with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding targets ideally related to selling swimming pool or lighting products.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and CRM/sales software.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.

Preferred / Nice to Have:

• Experience in the swimming pool, lighting, or related industries.
• Strong technical selling ability or aptitude.
• Previous CRM and customer database management experience.
• Completion of a formal sales training program.
• MBA or relevant post-graduate education.
• Self-Motivated: Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently.
• Accountable: Takes ownership of results and outcomes.
• Positive & Resilient: Maintains a solution-oriented attitude in a changing market.
• Adaptable: Comfortable wearing multiple hats in a small-company environment.