Business Development Executive

Michael Kinder & Sons, Inc.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid vacation & wellness time

401(k) with company match

Mileage reimbursement

Unlimited earning potential

Career progression

Job summary

Innovate is seeking a proactive Business Development Executive to drive growth in the commercial interiors and workplace solutions space. You will cultivate long-term client relationships, open doors with architects, designers, contractors, and developers, and collaborate with design and project teams to deliver compelling proposals.

The role emphasizes strategic outreach, market intelligence, and representing Innovate at industry events, with clear paths to senior leadership as the company

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Marketing or related field)
• 5+ years of business development or consultative sales experience (commercial interiors, construction, or related industries preferred)
• Proven ability to build and sustain long-term client relationships
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating across teams
• CRM experience and strong Microsoft 365 proficiency

Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within commercial interiors, furniture, and workplace solutions
• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans to grow market presence and brand awareness
• Maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities aligned with company growth goals
• Build long-term relationships with end users, architects, designers, contractors, and developer partners
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding client needs and aligning them with Innovate’s services and solutions
• Collaborate with design, sales, and project teams to develop compelling, value-driven proposals
• Participate in client presentations, discovery meetings, and contract negotiations
• Track opportunities and activity in CRM systems to support forecasting and accountability
• Represent Innovate at networking events, industry functions, and community engagements
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, proposals, and contracts
• Coordinate internally to ensure smooth handoff from sales to design and project execution teams

Skills

Business Development

Consultative Sales

Relationship Building

CRM experience

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM software

Job description

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE

Drive Growth. Build Relationships. Shape the Future of Commercial Furniture Sales.

At Innovate, business development is about more than selling - it’s about creating partnerships that last and helping clients envision what’s possible. As a Business Development Executive, you’ll be the face of Innovate in the market, cultivating relationships, opening doors, and driving strategic growth across the commercial furniture dealership with sales of products and services.

This role is ideal for a motivated, consultative professional who thrives on connection, opportunity creation, and long-term impact - and who's ready to grow into a senior leadership role as the company expands.

WHAT WE OFFER

Innovate is built on strong values and stronger people. We ensure every team member feels supported, challenged, and empowered by living our Core Values:

• Transformational
• Exceptional
• Accountable
• Meaningful
• Safe

Benefits & Growth Path

• Medical benefits covering 90% of employee premiums and 40% for dependents
• Paid vacation + wellness time
• Traditional & Roth 401(k) with 100% match up to 4%, immediately vested
• Mileage and business expense reimbursement
• Unlimited earning potential through performance-based incentives
• Defined career progression - with opportunities to expand into senior business development, strategic partnerships, or leadership roles

At Innovate, your success directly influences the growth of the company - and your career grows alongside it.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Market Growth

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities within commercial interiors, furniture, and workplace solutions
• Develop and execute strategic outreach plans to grow market presence and brand awareness
• Maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities aligned with company growth goals

Client Relationship Management

• Build long-term relationships with end users, architects, designers, contractors, and developer partners
• Act as a trusted advisor, understanding client needs and aligning them with Innovate’s services and solutions
• Maintain consistent follow-up to ensure client satisfaction and repeat business

Sales Strategy & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with design, sales, and project teams to develop compelling, value-driven proposals
• Participate in client presentations, discovery meetings, and contract negotiations
• Track opportunities and activity in CRM systems to support forecasting and accountability

Market Intelligence & Brand Representation

• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and industry developments
• Represent Innovate at networking events, industry functions, and community engagements
• Strengthen Innovate’s reputation through professionalism, integrity, and consistent follow-through

General Administration

• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, proposals, and contracts
• Coordinate internally to ensure smooth handoff from sales to design and project execution teams

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Business, Marketing or related field)
• 5+ years of business development or consultative sales experience (commercial interiors, construction, or related industries preferred)
• Proven ability to build and sustain long-term client relationships
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating across teams
• CRM experience and strong Microsoft 365 proficiency

You’re a strong fit if you’re proactive, strategic, relationship-focused, and motivated by both personal success and team growth.

JOIN THE FAMILY

Innovate is a sister company of Michael Kinder & Sons (MKS) - a fourth-generation, family-owned Plan | Design | Build construction firm known for quality, integrity, and lasting partnerships. Together, we provide clients with comprehensive space planning, design, furniture, and installation solutions - all under one roof.

Learn more about us: https://www.innovatecommercialinteriors.com/