Business Development Director

Role Summary

As the Business Development Leader for our Kansas City region, you will drive new business opportunities, cultivate long-term client relationships, and align business development, preconstruction, and operations teams— with particular focus on the manufacturing and industrial sectors. You won't wait for the market to hand you opportunities; you'll proactively build a pipeline of new and repeat business and serve as a key ambassador for Russell's value proposition throughout the region.

How You'll Contribute

• Lead Generation & Pipeline Development
• Identify and pursue project opportunities through proactive networking, industry engagement, and strategic partnerships.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified leads using strategic account planning and sales pipeline management tools.
• Follow a proven sales process: prospecting, qualifying, targeting, identifying customer needs, developing value propositions, presenting solutions, and closing the sale.
• Value Proposition & Market Positioning
• Define and articulate Russell's capabilities and differentiators in the market.
• Partner with marketing and strategy teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and thought leadership content.
• Maintain current knowledge of marketplace issues, industry trends, competitive intelligence, and public policy affecting the region.
• Key Account Management
• Build and nurture relationships with key clients to secure repeat business and expand market share.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic accounts, ensuring an exceptional client experience.
• Quickly establish credible relationships with executive-level buyers at middle-market corporations and agencies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with regional operations and preconstruction teams to implement strategic plans that generate business opportunities and achieve revenue objectives.
• Provide market intelligence and feedback to inform pricing strategy, resource planning, and operational readiness.
• Lead cross-functional teams as needed to complete a sale.
• Brand Ambassadorship
• Participate in industry and community organizations, representing Russell's brand throughout the Kansas City region.
• Make decisions grounded in Russell's long-term growth philosophy and core values.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of business development / sales experience; 10+ years and a proven record securing large-scale projects preferred.
• Business development experience within construction, particularly manufacturing and industrial markets, strongly preferred.
• Promised track record developing new business and long-term client relationships.
• Established business and community relationships in the Kansas City region.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, preconstruction planning, and operational execution.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Formal sales training and experience with client management/CRM software is a plus.
• Able and willing to travel overnight for conferences and client meetings as needed.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in good standing.