Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Samet's Charleston Region is seeking a Business Development Manager who will be responsible for driving revenue growth through strategic client acquisition, relationship management, and market expansion within the commercial and industrial construction sectors.

The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving revenue growth through strategic client acquisition, relationship management, and market expansion within the commercial and industrial construction sectors. This role requires a deep understanding of construction project delivery methods, market dynamics, and client needs, with particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing, industrial facilities, and complex commercial projects. The successful candidate will communicate Samet's value proposition effectively to all stakeholders while embodying The Samet Way principles through consultative relationship building and strategic market exploration.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and implement comprehensive sales strategies and business development initiatives aligned with company objectives and regional growth targets
• Identify, pursue, and secure new commercial and industrial construction opportunities, with focus on advanced manufacturing, data centers, distribution facilities, and complex industrial projects
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with existing and prospective clients, including developers, manufacturers, industrial owners, architects, engineers, and key decision-makers
• Lead preparation and presentation of compelling proposals, qualifications, and competitive responses for targeted projects and clients

Market Intelligence & Opportunity Development

• Conduct proactive market research and competitive intelligence to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and threats in commercial and industrial construction markets
• Explore new market segments and geographical territories, particularly in advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors
• Develop deep understanding of client pain points and project challenges to position Samet as a trusted solutions partner
• Monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, and technology trends affecting industrial construction

Collaboration & Execution

• Partner with preconstruction, project management, and field operations teams to develop competitive and executable project approaches
• Support client interviews, presentations, and relationship-building activities throughout the entire sales cycle
• Coordinate with marketing teams to develop client-specific materials, case studies, and thought leadership content
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic account management plans for key clients and emerging market sectors

Performance Management & Development

• Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, reporting, and analysis using company CRM systems and advanced analytics
• Monitor and report on business development KPIs, including pipeline activity, win rates, revenue forecasts, and market penetration
• Participate actively in industry events, trade shows, and professional organizations to enhance Samet's market presence
• Mentor junior business development staff and share best practices in consultative selling and relationship management

Behavioral Characteristics & Cultural Fit

Explorer DNA

• Natural curiosity and market exploration mindset - enjoys discovering untapped opportunities, emerging markets, and innovative project types
• Entrepreneurial spirit - comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the challenge of breaking into new sectors or geographical markets
• Strategic thinking - ability to see beyond immediate opportunities to identify long-term market trends and positioning strategies

Relationship-Centered Approach

• High emotional intelligence - reads people and situations well, adapts communication style to different stakeholders and decision-makers
• Consultative selling orientation - prioritizes understanding client needs over traditional sales tactics; builds trust through expertise and genuine problem-solving
• Authentic relationship builder - creates lasting professional relationships based on mutual respect and value creation

Work Ethic & Execution

• Outgoing and engaging personality - comfortable initiating conversations, networking, and representing Samet in various professional settings
• Relentless follow-through - consistently delivers on commitments, maintains organized systems, and sees opportunities through to completion
• Resilience and persistence - maintains positive attitude through rejection and setbacks; views challenges as learning opportunities
• Collaborative mindset - works effectively across departments and functions to achieve shared objectives

Prerequisites

Core Competencies

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills - ability to articulate complex construction concepts and value propositions to diverse technical and executive audiences
• Strategic relationship management - proven ability to establish trust and credibility with C-level executives, project managers, and technical stakeholders
• Goal-oriented competitive mindset - demonstrated track record of achieving and exceeding business development targets through strategic thinking rather than high-pressure tactics
• Analytical and strategic thinking - ability to identify market opportunities, analyze competitive landscapes, and develop actionable business plans
• Project and time management excellence - capability to manage multiple complex opportunities and priorities simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, marketing, or related field
• 5-7 years of experience in commercial and industrial construction business development, sales, or client-facing roles
• Proven track record of successfully identifying, pursuing, and winning new business in construction industry, particularly in industrial or advanced manufacturing sectors
• Industrial construction experience preferred - background with manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, data centers, or other complex industrial projects

Technical Knowledge

• Deep understanding of commercial and industrial construction project delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, IPD, Progressive Design-Build)
• Industrial construction expertise - knowledge of advanced manufacturing processes, clean room construction, process piping, industrial automation integration, and complex MEP systems
• Market intelligence - understanding of construction industry trends, market dynamics, and competitive landscape in target geographic and industrial sectors
• Financial acumen - understanding of construction project financials, bonding, insurance, and risk management principles

Technology & Systems

• CRM proficiency - experience with Salesforce or similar systems (Unanet) for pipeline management and client relationship tracking
• Digital tools expertise - advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, project management software, and virtual presentation platforms
• Proposal development - experience with proposal management software and collaborative document creation tools

Industry Relationships & Credentials

• Established network within commercial and industrial construction industry, including relationships with manufacturers, industrial developers, and engineering firms
• Professional memberships preferred in relevant organizations (DBIA, AGC, NAIOP, CSCMP, MFMA, etc.)
• Industry certifications in business development, sales, or construction-related fields preferred but not required

Essential Skills & Abilities

Language Proficiency: Advanced ability to read, comprehend, and create detailed technical documents, contracts, specifications, and client correspondence. Exceptional presentation skills for diverse audiences from technical teams to C-suite executives.

Technology Proficiency: Advanced Microsoft Office 365 suite; CRM systems (Unanet/Cosential preferred); project management and collaboration tools; virtual meeting platforms; proposal development software.

Analytical Capabilities: Strong financial analysis skills for project budgets, pricing strategies, and market metrics. Ability to interpret complex technical data and translate into business opportunities.

Problem-Solving: Advanced ability to navigate complex business situations, interpret technical documents and specifications