Business Development Manager

About the Role

Our client, a well-established contract manufacturer with a unique business unit specializing in water treatment systems, is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive technical sales and new business growth. This role focuses on the water treatment industry, combining expertise with disciplined project management and CRM use. You will report to the General Manager and work from home when not traveling.

Responsibilities

• Sales & Business Development: Own the full sales lifecycle, including lead generation, sample testing, quotations, and commercial proposals. Build new OEM, distributor, dealer, plumbing, and private-label accounts.
• Technical & Account Management: Serve as the technical expert for water softeners, filtration, reverse osmosis, control valves, tanks, and media. Assist customers with product selection, application testing, and troubleshooting. Manage key customer relationships through regular reviews, identifying expansion opportunities, and translating customer needs into internal technical requirements.
• Internal Coordination & Strategy: Coordinate customer requirements, forecasts, and supply/timing risks with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Purchasing, Quality, and Customer Service. Participate in account reviews with the General Manager. Utilize AI productivity tools for research, planning, and market trend tracking.
• Travel: Travel 30%–50% for customer visits, supplier meetings, and trade shows.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience working with residential/light commercial water treatment equipment sales, possessing technical knowledge including water chemistry, applications, and equipment sizing.
• Proven track record in full-cycle sales and customer relationship management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and AI productivity tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to visit customers and trade shows.

Qualifications

• Hands-on expertise with softeners, filtration, RO, control valves, tanks, and media.
• Existing relationships and experience selling to OEMs, distributors, dealers, or private-label customers.
• WQA education, certification, or industry involvement.

Measurements of Success

• Conversion of qualified leads into closed sales and achievement of annual revenue growth objectives.
• Qualified pipeline development, consistent opportunity follow-through, and Salesforce accuracy.
• Growth, retention, and satisfaction of key customer accounts.
• Quality of planning, forecasting, and cross-functional coordination.

Benefits

• 2% to 3% commission on all sales, depending on margin, for 24 months (expect $20K to $40K the first year and significantly more after that)
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401K with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation time