Business Development Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Business Development Manager in Houston, TX, to lead and develop a team of Business Development Representatives (BDRs). Following recent enterprise growth, this role bridges business development, marketing, purchasing, and inside sales. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, the BD Manager will focus on team coaching, accountability, and operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Team Leadership & Development: Conduct weekly 1:1 sessions with BDRs to review account strategies, manage book-of-business priorities, and drive performance.
• Operational Accountability: Enforce reporting hygiene, ensuring accurate and timely call notes, activity logs, and pipeline tracking in Salesforce.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with Inside Sales and Marketing to refine lead routing, align trade show branding, and execute targeted email campaign journeys.
• Market & Commodity Alignment: Work with the purchasing team to track commodity pricing fluctuations, analyze market trends, and ensure proactive inventory preparation.
• Conflict Management & Mediation: Act as an emotionally intelligent mediator to resolve internal scheduling, capacity, and resource allocation friction.
• Field Ride-Alongs & Client Vetting: Conduct field ride-alongs with BDRs, support high-value project vetting, and attend major industry trade shows.

REQUIREMENTS

• Leadership Experience: 3+ years directly managing, developing, and holding BDRs or industrial sales teams accountable.
• Industry Background: 7+ years in business development/sales within metals, steel distribution, or industrial supply (open to complementary fields like welding equipment or ASME vessel insulation).
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and enterprise ERP platforms.
• ITAR Compliance: Must be a U.S. Person due to ITAR restrictions (dual citizenship restrictions apply).
• Key Soft Skills: Assertive leadership, high emotional intelligence, direct communication, and a passion for teaching over doing.

EDUCATION

• Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, or Sales preferred (or equivalent relevant field experience).
• Certifications: Active involvement in Houston-area industrial or trade associations is a plus.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Base Salary Range: $120,000 – $135,000.
• Bonus / Commission: 15–20% performance bonus structure tied to team-level milestones, forecast accuracy, and goal attainment.
• Expected OTE: ~$145,000 – $168,000 total.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work Model: Hybrid (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) based in or near Houston, TX, with proximity to corporate offices and airport access.
• Travel: Up to 50% travel (averaging ~30%) for rep ride-alongs, facility visits, and trade shows.

BENEFITS

• Major Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D coverage
• Safe Harbor 401(k) plan with company matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holiday schedule

INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Stage 1 (Pre-Screen): Talent Harbor Candidate Pre-Screen.
• Stage 2 (Introductory): 30-minute virtual Teams interview with the Director of Business Development.
• Stage 3 (Deep Dive): 60-minute virtual interview focusing on leadership and technical capacity.
• Stage 4 (Assessment): Online leadership and technical sales skills assessments (4–5 short modules).