The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and pursuing new growth opportunities, building strategic customer relationships, and expanding the company's presence in existing and emerging markets. This role develops and executes business development strategies, collaborates cross-functionally to bring our new solutions to market, and drives revenue growth through customer acquisition and partnership development. The ideal candidate combines strong commercial acumen, relationship-building skills, and market insight to identify opportunities that support the organization's long-term strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

New Business Development:

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities.
• Develop strategies and programs to penetrate new markets and expand our footprint.
• Explore new revenue streams.
• Conduct market research and analysis.

• Participates in trade shows, sales meetings, or other special events.

Relationship Management:

• Build relationships and creates strategic alliances with key decision-makers in the industry.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing product expertise and creative solutions.

Sales Execution:

• Negotiate contracts and pricing for large-volume orders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery of products and services.

Product Expertise:

• Maintain deep knowledge of product lines and industry trends.
• Provide guidance and training to clients and internal teams on product features and benefits.
• Understand manufacturing processes and operational impact of new business, strategies, or programs

Communication & Coordination:

• Coordinate programs across internal stakeholders.
• For new accounts, act as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project requirements.
• Prepare and present regular updates on pipeline, forecasts, and market insights to leadership.
• Facilitate the handoff of accounts when appropriate.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Knowledge & Skills

• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of the market.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years in business development or sales.

• Proven track record of securing large-scale orders and managing complex accounts.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 80 pounds.

Physical Activities would include uncrating, moving and placement of both samples and stock while setting up store displays or preparing for sales presentations.

Extensive travel should be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment while at Sauder's corporate office is moderate. However, the work environment while at a customer's location could vary considerably.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements that are listed within this job description.

Sauder is a family company, so we believe in a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We want employees to know their time here is more than just a job--they can build a life-long career at Sauder. We have a culture of continuous improvement and internal advancement. We provide 3 weeks of vacation and a full benefit package beginning at 30 days. Other perks include 401(k), a company-funded health savings account, free counseling, furniture discounts, and tuition reimbursement.