Strategic Business Development Executive

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.; Burbank (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

MSC Industrial Supply Co. in Chicago, IL seeks a Strategic Business Development Executive to drive market growth by targeting high-potential accounts and converting insights into profitable, long-term partnerships.

You will lead complex pursuits with cross-functional teams, build senior-level relationships, and deliver value-driven proposals while managing a robust sales pipeline and forecasting with SFDC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 2+ years of proven success in sales, marketing, and business development with industrial/manufacturing/distribution sales experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success selling into large accounts and exceeding sales plans.
• Strong background in selling profitable solutions and services with advanced negotiation, closing, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and CRM platforms (Salesforce strongly preferred).
• Strong business and financial acumen including P&L understanding and analytics.
• Ability to present financial models to influence customer decisions.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for senior-level stakeholders.
• Project management abilities with multi-priority handling.
• Strategic thinker with long-term planning experience (3–5 year models).
• Industrial or manufacturing segment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Proactively prospect and qualify high-potential manufacturing and non-manufacturing customers.
• Partner with Lead Generation and Sales teams to maintain a steady pipeline.
• Develop compelling proposals, presentations, and business cases differentiating MSC.
• Establish senior-level relationships to drive long-term growth.
• Leverage analytics and account insights for profitable decisions.
• Translate needs into differentiated MSC solutions with quantified value.
• Own the sales funnel and manage opportunities through to close.
• Utilize SFDC and account planning tools to track progress and resources.
• Respond to RFIs/RFPs with effective pricing and terms.
• Create detailed financial forecasts and account models.
• Collaborate across Marketing, Product, Finance and other functions.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and ensure forecast alignment.

Skills

Sales experience

Negotiation

Account management

CRM Salesforce

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

Requisition ID :19316

Employment Type :Full Time

Job Category :Sales

Work Location :Chicago, IL

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY:

The Strategic Business Development Executive drives MSC's market growth by targeting manufacturing and non-manufacturing customer locations with potential revenues exceeding $250K. Anchored to MSC's long-term strategy, the Business Development Exec positions MSC's differentiated solutions with senior decision-makers, shapes demand early in the customer lifecycle and converts market insight into commercially sound agreements. The role orchestrates complex pursuits by partnering with the Lead Generation team and Strategic Development Consultants, applying disciplined qualifications to focus investment where win probability and value are highest. Success is defined by profitable expansion into high-potential locations, and a durable pipeline that delivers predictable results.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively prospect, identify, and qualify medium and large manufacturing and non-manufacturing customers exceeding $250K in revenue potential.
• Partner with the Lead Generation Team, Strategic Inside Sales Consultants and Sales Development Consultants to secure high-quality leads, ensuring a steady pipeline of well-qualified prospects for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
• Develop and deliver compelling, value-driven proposals, presentations, and business cases that clearly differentiate MSC's solutions from competitors.
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships within target accounts to strengthen customer engagement and drive long-term growth.
• Leverage analytics, financial modeling, and account insights to support decision-making and maximize profitability.
• Translate customer needs, constraints, and success criteria into differentiated MSC solutions, quantifying profitability and tying outcomes to productivity, compliance, safety, inventory turns, and gross-margin improvement.
• Maintain full ownership of the sales funnel, ensuring accurate pipeline progression and strategic management of business opportunities.
• Utilize SFDC, Account Planning, and related tools to manage data, track progress, and communicate business resource needs effectively.
• Apply insight-led selling concepts to educate prospects on new opportunities and provide compelling reasons to adopt MSC's solutions.
• Respond strategically to RFIs and RFPs, negotiating pricing, terms, and conditions to maximize revenue while minimizing risk.
• Prepare detailed financial forecasts and account models, communicating expectations and performance insights to leadership.
• Collaborate with field leadership to tailor account coverage strategies and ensure compliance with forecasted sales thresholds.
• Document and communicate customer service expectations and any gaps with field leadership to ensure alignment and satisfaction.
• Champion MSC's vision and culture by supporting new initiatives, addressing customer challenges proactively, and contributing to cross-functional projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field required; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 2+ years of proven success in sales, marketing, and business development with industrial/manufacturing/distribution sales experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success selling into large accounts, with a consistent record of exceeding sales plans.
• Strong background in selling profitable solutions and services with advanced negotiation, closing, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and CRM platforms (Salesforce strongly preferred).
• Strong business and financial acumen, including P&L understanding, customer financial analysis, and advanced business analytics skills.
• Ability to create and present financial models to influence customer compliance and decision-making.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to engage senior-level stakeholders and respond effectively to RFPs/RFIs.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills with the ability to act quickly and decisively in complex situations.
• Self‑motivated, results‑driven, and highly adaptable in dynamic markets and changing business conditions.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross‑functionally across Marketing, Product Management, Finance, and other functions.
• Strategic thinker with experience in long‑term planning, including 3–5 year financial models.
• Demonstrated competitive spirit, resilience, and ability to overcome obstacles to success.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Industrial or manufacturing segment experience preferred

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license may be required.
• Position requires up to 60% of travel
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks (walking, bending, standing for long periods).
• Willingness to comply with customer safety and PPE protocols.
• This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (“ITAR”) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”)

*INDICATES ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully an associate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of knowledge, experience level and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Compensation starting at 68,400 - 83,600 plus commission opportunity, depending on experience.

The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate’s relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position at this time.

This job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 business days from the original posting date or longer as needed to fill the position.

WHY MSC?

People. Collaboration. Insight. That's how you build something that works. Built on a foundation of trust, MSC works side by side with our customers to help them drive business results. With more than one million product offerings and 80+ years of experience across industries, MSC strives to help our customers achieve greater productivity, profitability, and growth through inventory management and other innovative supply chain solutions. We care about our associates and have programs in place to help our 6,500+ team members achieve their potential.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Our associates are our top priority and investing in their well-being is one way we execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise. Alongside competitive pay, we have a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family's health, well-being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401K and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness. Visit our page for a better look at our extensive benefits: Your Future Benefits.

You will also have the opportunity to join our Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Generational, Veterans, HOLA, and Able. These circles are open to all associates and are designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and respect.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known. #Sales