The Business Development Associate is responsible for establishing themselves as a trusted advisor and consultative partner to clients and coalition partners, with the goal of identifying, strategically pursuing, and closing business opportunities to drive market success.
This role requires developing a strong understanding of the value proposition across three divisions Workplace Consulting, Interior Construction, and Furniture Solutions and communicating those solutions compellingly based on client needs.
The ideal candidate will have experience in client relationship management, design and interiors, furniture solutions, project coordination, and consultative sales, with the ability to build relationships with clients, developers, architects, and other key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with end users, clients, developers, architects, and coalition partners.
- Identify new business opportunities and develop strategies and tactical plans to penetrate target markets.
- Develop relationships with C-suite executives and key decision-makers.
- Understand general business operations and client needs to identify opportunities for relevant solutions.
- Recognize, qualify, and continuously validate new business opportunities.
- Build trusted relationships and work patiently to displace incumbent vendors.
- Develop a strong understanding of the commercial interiors, workplace solutions, interior construction, and furniture markets.
- Apply relational, consultative, and solution-selling approaches to understand client requirements and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Translate broad business objectives into actionable business development and execution plans.
- Navigate the various stakeholders, requirements, and processes involved in complex, multimillion-dollar opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal teams across workplace consulting, interior construction, and furniture solutions to deliver effective client solutions.
- Build and communicate a compelling vision for clients and coalition partners.
- Maintain an active and visible presence within business, design, and community environments to build relationships and brand recognition.
- Strengthen brand recognition within the market.
- Maintain accurate and continuous opportunity validation throughout the sales process.
- Consistently pursue and achieve aggressive business development and sales targets.
- Deliver excellent presentations and maintain a strong professional presence with clients and stakeholders.
Desired Experience and Skills
- Experience in business development, sales, client relationship management, or consultative selling.
- Experience in, or the ability to quickly understand, the commercial interiors market.
- A background in workplace solutions, furniture, interior design, interior construction, or related industries is highly desirable.
- Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with clients, developers, architects, and other stakeholders.
- Experience with relational, consultative, and solution selling.
- Comfortable developing relationships with senior executives and C-suite decision-makers.
- Ability to assess a market and develop strategies for business penetration and growth.
- Strong ability to identify new opportunities and develop new business.
- Experience managing multiple stakeholders through complex sales and project processes.
- Ability to understand client requirements and translate them into effective solutions.
- Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- High emotional intelligence (EQ), with the ability to understand the nuances of interactions, personalities, and relationships.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently.
- Proven ability to meet aggressive business development and sales targets.
- A desire to be outbound, visible, and active within the business and community.