Business Development Manager

Location: Remote within Southern California (frequent local travel required; occasional meetings in our Santa Ana office)

About the Role

The Business Development Executive is responsible for driving organizational growth through the acquisition of new clients and the development of strategic business relationships, utilizing a consultative sales approach to identify workforce challenges and recommend solutions to company decision makers that support their business success.

What You'll Do

• Generate new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals, strategic partnerships, marketing-generated leads, and relationship-building with business owners and executive decision makers.
• Manage the full sales cycle using a consultative sales approach, including discovery, solution development, presentations, demonstrations, proposal development, negotiations, contract execution, and closing.
• Build and maintain relationships with referral partners, brokers, consultants, and channel partners to expand market presence and drive revenue growth.
• Collaborate with business leaders and C-suite executives to identify workforce challenges and recommend tailored HR, payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce management solutions.
• Support client retention and growth by maintaining key client relationships and partnering with internal teams to ensure successful onboarding and service delivery.
• Represent Optimum HR at networking events, industry associations, community organizations, and other business development activities.
• Maintain expertise in industry trends, competitive offerings, and emerging technologies to effectively position Optimum's solutions.
• Utilize Salesforce and other business systems to manage pipeline activity, forecasts, and client interactions.
• Complete required contracts, reports, and documentation accurately and on time.
• Achieve or exceed assigned revenue, retention, prospecting, and sales performance goals.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and relevant sales experience
• Minimum of 3 years of corporate B2B sales experience, HCM or PEO sales preferred.
• Proven ability to prospect, generate leads, and develop new business opportunities.
• Experience managing a full sales cycle from prospecting through closing.
• Strong networking, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience building relationships with business owners, executive decision makers, and professional referral sources.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote environment.
• Proficiency with Salesforce, CRM systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and related business applications.
• Commitment to professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct, and client satisfaction.
• Ability to travel frequently within the assigned area to meet with prospects, clients, referral partners, and business contacts.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary for this position is $85,000 - $100,000 annually, plus generous long-term residual commission opportunities. In addition to competitive compensation, Optimum HR offers a generous benefits package and a collaborative, team-focused culture.