Senior Business Development Manager - HVAC

ProActivate; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ProActivate is partnering with one of the industry's most established mechanical contracting organizations to identify a Business Development Manager in the Greater Austin area. This role focuses on hunting capital-improvement opportunities in HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, building relationships with facility leaders, and closing high-value projects.

You will own your pipeline, collaborate with estimating and operations teams, and represent the organization at local networking

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of successful B2B outside sales or business development experience.
• Background in commercial HVAC, mechanical contracting, building automation, electrical, plumbing, capital equipment, or related technical industry.
• Demonstrated ability to generate net-new business through proactive prospecting.
• Experience selling capital projects, retrofits, equipment replacements, or other complex technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Generating and closing new capital project opportunities in the Austin market.
• Prospecting and developing new commercial customers through cold outreach, networking, referrals, and face-to-face relationship building.
• Identifying capital improvement, equipment replacement, retrofit, and modernization opportunities for HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Building relationships with facility directors, property managers, engineering leaders, executives, and other decision-makers.
• Managing complex sales opportunities from discovery through proposal, negotiation, and close.

Skills

Hunter mentality

Prospecting

Relationship building

Cold outreach

Negotiation

Closing large projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or related field

Job description

Are you a proven sales professional who enjoys opening doors, developing relationships, and closing high-value commercial projects?

ProActivate is partnering with one of the industry's most established mechanical contracting organizations to identify a Business Development Manager in Greater Austin area.

This is an opportunity to represent a respected organization with the technical expertise, operational capabilities, and resources to deliver complex commercial HVAC, plumbing, and electrical projects.

This is not a maintenance agreement or account management sales position. We're looking for a true hunter who can identify capital improvement opportunities, develop new relationships, and turn customer challenges into profitable projects.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Represent an established industry leader: Work with a highly respected mechanical contracting organization with the resources and expertise to compete for complex commercial projects.
• Pursue substantial opportunities: Sell capital improvement and retrofit projects ranging from $50,000 to multimillion-dollar engagements, with an average project value of approximately $250,000+.
• Sell solutions, not commodities: Help organizations modernize aging infrastructure, improve building performance, and address critical facility needs.
• Own your success: Build and manage your own pipeline, develop relationships, and drive new business opportunities.
• Access technical expertise: Collaborate with experienced estimating, engineering, and operations professionals to develop competitive solutions.
• Build a meaningful career: Join an established organization where business development plays a critical role in continued market growth.

What You'll Do

As Business Development Manager, your primary focus will be generating and closing new capital project opportunities throughout the Austin market.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Prospecting and developing new commercial customers through cold outreach, networking, referrals, and face-to-face relationship building.
• Identifying capital improvement, equipment replacement, retrofit, and modernization opportunities involving commercial HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Building relationships with facility directors, property managers, engineering leaders, executives, and other decision-makers.
• Targeting industries including healthcare, education, data centers, industrial manufacturing, and commercial real estate.
• Managing complex sales opportunities from initial discovery through proposal development, negotiation, and close.
• Partnering with technical and operational teams to develop solutions that address customer needs.
• Selling based on value, technical expertise, reliability, and long-term return on investment rather than price alone.
• Developing and maintaining an active pipeline of qualified capital project opportunities.
• Representing the organization through local networking events and relevant industry associations.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a proven business developer who knows how to create opportunities, navigate complex sales cycles, and consistently win new business.

• 5-7+ years of successful B2B outside sales or business development experience.
• Background in commercial HVAC, mechanical contracting, building automation, electrical, plumbing, capital equipment, or a related technical industry.
• Demonstrated ability to generate net-new business through proactive prospecting.
• Experience selling capital projects, retrofits, equipment replacements, or other complex technical solutions.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets.
• Ability to build relationships with multiple decision-makers and influence significant purchasing decisions.
• Strong familiarity with the Austin market and an established local professional network.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-motivated, independent, and comfortable managing a territory and sales pipeline.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
• Experience with consultative or value-based selling methodologies.
• Active involvement in relevant industry associations.

The Type of Sales Professional Who Will Excel Here

You're someone who:

• Enjoys hunting for new business rather than managing an inherited account base.
• Understands how to uncover capital improvement needs before a formal bid is issued.
• Can confidently engage facility leaders and executives in conversations about infrastructure investments.
• Knows how to sell value instead of competing solely on price.
• Takes pride in winning complex, high-dollar projects.
• Wants the backing of an established organization with the capabilities to deliver what you sell.