Business Development Manager – General Contractor Relationships
About the Company
Our client is a Fortune 100 manufacturing company and the largest steel producer in the United States. With a diversified portfolio of construction products that serve virtually every sector of the construction industry. Known for their decentralized culture, performance-based compensation, and exceptional career growth opportunities, this organization promotes from within and rewards results.
The Opportunity
This is a newly created role designed to build and expand strategic relationships with the nation's largest general contractors, industrial developers, and data center builders. The successful candidate will serve as a key liaison between the company and top-tier GCs, driving "pull-through" sales by getting the company's products specified on major construction projects.
This is not a transactional sales role. We are seeking a relationship-driven business development professional who understands how large general contractors operate, knows who the decision-makers are, and can open doors at the C-suite and VP level.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a strategic business development plan targeting the top 50-100 general contractors in industrial, data center, manufacturing, and commercial construction
- Build and maintain relationships with preconstruction executives, VPs of construction, and procurement leaders at major GCs
- Create pull-through demand by influencing project specifications and encouraging GCs to recommend the company's products to their subcontractors and owners
- Collaborate with internal engineering and commercial teams to support complex project pursuits
- Identify and pursue opportunities on megaprojects where the company does not have existing enterprise relationships
- Serve as a trusted advisor to GCs on supply chain solutions and product capabilities
- Represent the company at key industry events and conferences (World of Concrete, Design-Build Institute of America, etc.)
- Provide market intelligence on industry trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities
Ideal Candidate Profile
Required:
- 5+ years of experience in business development, preconstruction, or sales within the construction industry
- Demonstrated track record of building relationships and closing deals with large general contractors
- Deep understanding of how GCs operate, including their organizational structures, procurement processes, and decision-making hierarchies
- Experience with pull-through or specification-based sales strategies
- Ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder sales environments
- Strong executive presence and ability to engage with C-suite and VP-level contacts
- Excellent communication skills, both in-person and via video conferencing
- Bachelor's degree preferred (Construction Management, Business, or related field) but not required for candidates with strong experience
Preferred:
- Background in preconstruction or business development at a top-50 general contractor
- Experience calling on owners (tech companies, industrial manufacturers, developers)
- Knowledge of the data center, manufacturing, or industrial construction sectors
- Existing relationships with decision-makers at major GCs
- Experience at a large subcontractor, fabricator, industrial developer, or construction-related professional services firm
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: ~$185,000-$200,000+
- Annual Bonus: 15-18% of base (performance-based)
- Profit Sharing: Additional 110-15% (combination of cash and 401k contribution)
- Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision; 401k with company match; tuition reimbursement; relocation assistance available