Business Development Specialist

ExactHire; Kalamazoo, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sales incentive plan

Competitive paid time off

Comprehensive medical plan options for

Dental and vision coverage at no cost

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Wholesale retail club membership

Company-wide and departmental events

Job summary

Edwards is seeking a Business Development Specialist to grow existing accounts and identify new opportunities through lead development and National Account partnerships. You will work closely with customers and internal sales teams, maintaining multiple priorities with strong communication and follow-up.

The role emphasizes understanding customer needs, proactive outreach, and delivering measurable sales results while collaborating with team members and supporting ongoing account management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Inbound/outbound calls to warm/cold leads experience preferred.
• Sales experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization abilities.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop customers within current and past base and National Account partnerships.
• Build relationships with new, dormant, and smaller customers to expand sales opportunities.
• Grow relationships with National Account partners and qualify key targets.
• Use outbound calls, direct mail, and email campaigns to research and develop leads.
• Prepare professional quotes and presentations aligned with customer branding goals.
• Explain product features clearly and respond to customer questions promptly.

Skills

Inbound/outbound calls

Sales experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Prioritization

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Business Development Specialist

Are you skilled at building customer relationships, identifying sales opportunities, and managing multiple priorities? Edwards is looking for a Business Development Specialist who can combine strong communication and customer service skills with a focus on business growth.

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading provider of quality apparel in the uniform and promotional products markets. With more than 150 years of experience, we have built our business through strong customer relationships, quality products, reliable service, and a commitment to meeting the needs of the industries we serve.

What You Can Expect at Edwards

We believe our associates are an important part of our long-term success. Edwards provides a professional, collaborative work environment that values teamwork, accountability, work-life balance, and long-term career development.

About the Role

The Business Development Specialist works closely with customers and our internal sales teams to support and grow existing business while identifying new opportunities through lead development and our National Account partnerships. This position requires a strong understanding of customer needs, consistent follow-up, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities. The ideal candidate is proactive, comfortable working directly with customers, and motivated by achieving measurable sales results.

Job description

The Business Development Specialist drives sales growth by developing opportunities, strengthening customer relationships, and managing the sales process from prospecting through close. Success requires strong communication, initiative, and a consistent focus on results.

Key responsibilities and approximate time allocation include:

Sales/Sales Support (100%)

• Identify and develop customers within the current and past customer base, and our National Account partnerships
• Build relationships with new, dormant, and smaller customers to expand sales opportunities.
• Grow relationships within our National Account partners, identifying key targets, and using referrals to further these connections.
• Use outbound calls, direct mail, and email campaigns to research, qualify, and develop sales leads.
• Coordinate with internal departments regarding program changes, order timelines, and status updates as needed.
• Grow targeted accounts for transition to the appropriate Territory Manager for ongoing account management.
• Work as a team with the Territory Manager to help them maintain and grow the client connection.
• Prepare professional quotes and presentations using innovative product and service ideas that support each customer’s branding and marketing goals.
• Understand customer needs and identify relevant sales opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to recommend additional products and services.
• Respond to customer questions and provide timely product and service information.
• Explain product and service features clearly and effectively.
• Effectively communicate the value of Edwards service capabilities.
• Use current reporting capabilities to create and maintain a list of current and potential customers.
• Attend trade shows and sales events as needed.
• Stay current on product and service information, updates, and related selling points.
• Maintain awareness of competing products and services.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• A high school diploma or GED is required
• Demonstrated experience in an inbound/outbound calls to warm/cold leads
• Sales Experience is a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM software
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills, including the ability to shift effectively between tasks.
• Strong listening skills
• Excellent phone skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following behavioral competencies:

• Adaptability – Tailors the sales approach to build relationships, grow targeted accounts, and develop new customer opportunities.
• Collaborative Communication – Communicates clearly and professionally, using a consultative selling approach to support customer needs.
• Relationship Building – Proactively develops customer relationships and identifies alignment with Edwards’ value proposition.
• Action Orientation – Responds effectively to changing priorities, resolves issues promptly, and drives activities forward with urgency and accuracy.

Perks and Benefits at Edwards

• Sales incentive plan
• Competitive paid time off package
• Comprehensive medical plan options for associates and their families
• Dental, including orthodontia, and vision coverage at no cost to associates
• 401k (with company match – 1 year of service vesting schedule)
• Additional benefits, such as tuition reimbursement and wholesale retail club membership
• Company-wide and departmental recognition events throughout the year to acknowledge milestones and goals

Read more about us at www.edwardsgarment.com under “Careers”