Residential Construction Sales & Pre-Construction Advisor

Cogentanalytics; Cumberland (MD); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogentanalytics in Maryland is seeking a highly consultative, technically credible Sales Representative to drive business development across its residential construction and remodeling portfolio. This hybrid role blends business development, client advisory, estimating support, and pre-construction coordination.

You will own front-end project definition, translating client needs into scoped, financially viable initiatives, and drive the full sales cycle from contact to signed contract.

Responsibilities

• Manage inbound and referral opportunities, conduct consultations, and guide prospects through the full sales cycle, from initial contact to signed contract, while maintaining the client relationship.
• Help clients make informed decisions on scope, budget, design, and materials by translating their needs into clear recommendations and aligning multiple stakeholders.
• Perform site assessments, define project scope, and provide accurate inputs for estimating while identifying risks, constraints, and contingencies.
• Own the pre-construction phase, including final selections, scope documentation, and change orders, ensuring projects are fully defined and ready for execution.
• Present proposals, explain scope and pricing, address objections, and secure signed agreements while ensuring clarity on inclusions, exclusions, and terms.
• Manage scope changes, prevent under-scoping, and ensure alignment between client expectations and project execution to protect profitability.
• Deliver a high-quality, trust-based customer experience with clear communication tailored to different client needs.
• Track opportunities in CRM, maintain pipeline visibility, and contribute to improving sales processes and reporting.

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly consultative, technically credible Sales Representative to drive business development across its portfolio of residential construction and remodeling businesses

This is a hybrid commercial + technical roleoperatingat the intersection of:

• Business Development

• Client Advisory / Consultative Sales

• Estimating & Scope Development

• Pre-Construction Coordination

The successful candidate will serve as the front-end owner of project definition, responsible for translating customer needs into clearly scoped, financiallyviable, and operationally executable projects.

This is not a transactional sales role. It is a field-based advisory position requiring strong technical aptitude, decision facilitation skills, and operational awareness.

1. Business Development & Sales Ownership
Manage inbound and referral opportunities, conduct consultations, and guide prospects through the full sales cycle, from initial contact to signed contract, while maintaining the client relationship.

2. Consultative Sales & Client Guidance
Help clients make informed decisions on scope, budget, design, and materials by translating their needs into clear recommendations and aligning multiple stakeholders.

3. Scope Development & Estimating Support
Perform site assessments, define project scope, and provide accurate inputs for estimating while identifying risks, constraints, and contingencies.

4. Pre-Construction Management
Own the pre-construction phase, including final selections, scope documentation, and change orders, ensuring projects are fully defined and ready for execution.

5. Proposal Delivery & Closing
Present proposals, explain scope and pricing, address objections, and secure signed agreements while ensuring clarity on inclusions, exclusions, and terms.

6. Scope Control & Margin Protection
Manage scope changes, prevent under-scoping, and ensure alignment between client expectations and project execution to protect profitability.

7. Client Experience & Relationship Management
Deliver a high-quality, trust-based customer experience with clear communication tailored to different client needs.

8. Pipeline & Process Management
Track opportunities in CRM, maintain pipeline visibility, and contribute to improving sales processes and reporting.

Construction & Remodeling Expertise
Strong working knowledge of residential construction methods and remodeling workflows (kitchens, baths, additions), along with familiarity with key material systems such as cabinetry, tile, fixtures, and flooring. Ability to evaluate site conditions, understand constructability constraints, and anticipate trade sequencing and project challenges.

Financial & Estimating Acumen
Solid understanding of job costing principles, margin dynamics, and the impact of change orders. Capable of developing well-defined project scopes, identifying cost risks, and making decisions that support overall project profitability and accuracy in estimating.

Systems, Tools & Process Adaptability
Experience using CRM platforms and pipeline tracking tools to manage opportunities and client interactions. Comfortable working with estimating tools, spreadsheets, and proposal development. Proficient in field documentation (photos, measurements, digital notes). Able to operate effectively in a less structured environment while contributing to the development and improvement of systems, processes, and workflows.