Business Manager

Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced business development professional to drive lead generation and pipeline development for the SP&G team.

The Business Manager will promote Virginia to corporate executives and industry leaders as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities, with a focus on Virginia's energy supply chain and emerging technologies.

Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant experience in business development, sales, account management, market development, economic development, consulting, industry, or a related fast-paced professional setting.
• Experience with energy supply chain, nuclear energy or emerging energy tech is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute VEDP’s lead generation programs to target companies, key multipliers, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
• Lead cold and warm outreach to secure meetings with priority target accounts and senior corporate decision-makers.
• Identify new site selection projects through campaigns, desktop research, events, and sustained client relationship development.
• Build and maintain a business development pipeline of qualified prospects and opportunities.
• Prepare persuasive pitch decks, executive briefings, proposals, memos, and marketing presentations communicating Virginia's value proposition.
• Develop strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including corporate decision makers and government organizations.

Skills

Lead generation

Pipeline development

Relationship building

Executive communications

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Independent work

Public/private sector collaboration

Salesforce experience

Discipline to work from home

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) is seeking an experienced business development professional to execute lead generation and pipeline development strategies for the Strategic Projects and Lead Generation (SP&LG) team. The Business Manager will promote Virginia to targeted corporate executives, industry leaders, and other key decision-makers as the preferred location for new and expanding business facilities.

This role will focus on Virginia's energy supply chain, including nuclear energy and emerging energy technologies, while also supporting opportunities in quantum computing and wood products. The Business Manager will identify, develop, and advance qualified business opportunities. The ideal candidate is a disciplined relationship builder who can translate industry intelligence into targeted campaigns, communicate Virginia's business case to executive audiences, and maintain a high-quality pipeline of prospects and opportunities. This individual will work within the SP&LG team which leads targeted business development outreach across a broad portfolio of diverse industries.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute VEDP’s lead generation programs to target companies, key multipliers, consultants, and industry stakeholders
• Lead cold and warm outreach to secure meetings with priority target accounts and senior corporate decision-makers
• Identify new site selection projects through targeted campaigns, desktop research, call trips, trade shows, conferences, and sustained client relationship development
• Build and maintain a business development pipeline of qualified prospects and opportunities
• Prepare persuasive pitch decks, executive briefings, proposals, memos, and marketing presentations that communicate Virginia's value proposition
• Identify and build strong working relationships across industry stakeholders, including corporate decision makers, trade associations, government organizations, affiliated economic development allies, higher education institutions, and other key stakeholders
• Develop a strong working knowledge of sector trends, business drivers, technology developments, supply chains, market dynamics, and corporate growth strategies affecting assigned industries

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to operate in a team environment and leverage partners in public and private sectors
• Demonstrated ability to develop business relationships, generate leads, and advance opportunities through a disciplined sales or business development process
• Ability to quickly understand complex industries and communicate Virginia's value proposition clearly and persuasively to executive audiences
• Demonstrated ability to sell and develop deals, while providing client support
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, research, analytical, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to plan and successfully manage multiple tasks
• Sound judgment and the ability to make decisions based on logical analysis, relevant data, and business context
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus
• Ability to telecommute and discipline to work independently from a home office while remaining highly engaged with team priorities and shared goals

Experience:

• At least five years of relevant experience in business development, sales, account management, market development, economic development, consulting, industry, or a related fast-paced professional setting
• Experience working with the energy supply chain, nuclear energy, emerging energy technologies, quantum computing, wood products, advanced manufacturing, or other strategic industries is highly desirable
• Knowledge of economic development, corporate location strategy, lead generation, or site selection is a plus
• Valid Virginia’s driver’s license and ability to obtain a passport required
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel is required

Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. VEDP uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

This is a field-based role, with most in-office activity based in Richmond, Virginia.

Candidates with substantial relevant experience may be considered for a senior-level role. Salary range: $90,000-$105,000. Salary commensurate with experience and qualification level of applicant. Application deadline: November 13, 2026.

VEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. It is VEDP’s intent that its employment and personnel policies and practices conform to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Applicants requiring more information or requiring assistance may contact VEDP Human Resources at 1-804-545-5634 or [e-mail]. TDD 1-800-828-1120.