Business Development Specialist

Rio Grande is a dynamic and innovative jewelry wholesale company that has been in the industry since 1944. The business development specialist will identify new business opportunities, build and maintain strong relationships with clients, and contribute to the company's overall growth and success. The specialist will work in a collaborative environment, closely with various departments, to ensure a cohesive approach to business development.

Primary Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, sales, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Experience: A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related role is required. Experience working in the jewelry industry is preferred but not required.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Knowledge of jewelry fundamentals is strongly preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Strong negotiation and sales skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite. HubSpot experience is preferred but not required.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• Familiarity with business development tools and techniques.

Primary Responsibilities:

Market Analysis and Strategy:

• Analyzing market trends and customer needs (communicate these findings to Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Marketing).
• Identifying potential clients or partners.
• Creating proposals to win new business opportunities.
• Participating in trade shows, business events, and other gatherings that show promise in meeting with new and existing customers.

Sales and Negotiation:

• Negotiating and closing deals.
• Meeting and exceeding individual and team financial goals provided by the company.
• Maintaining a satisfactory gross margin percentage.
• Participating in sprints and ongoing outreach.
• Growing and managing a persona-based book of business.
• Working with link teams to help ensure the best customer experience while keeping the business in mind.
• Being a crucial part of introducing new programs tied to company initiatives and actively working to ensure success.
• Responsible for working with customers to share their purchase forecast to help planners prepare and improve customer satisfaction.

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business development goals.
• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to create and execute effective sales strategies.
• Client Relationship Management:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
• Understand client needs and tailor solutions to meet their requirements.
• Conduct client presentations and product demonstrations.

Business Expansion:

• Identifying opportunities to increase wallet share within their account base.
• Prospecting new customers regularly.
• Evaluating and improving sales, marketing, and branding strategies, individually and collectively.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of business development activities and client interactions.
• Prepare regular reports on business development performance and progress.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Work closely with the marketing, customer service, merchandising, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to align strategies and ensure seamless execution.
• Provide customer voice feedback and insight to improve or expand upon products and services.

Innovation and Adaptation:

• Identifying and developing new lines of business based on consumer behavior.
• Communicating the customer's voice to link teams such as marketing and supply chain to help provide insight into developing new ways to grow the business in the face of competition and marketing fluctuation.

Training and Education:

• Persona-specific training requirements.
• Participating in virtual and in-person new/existing product training.
• Helping educate customers on new products and services that fit their business.
• Participating in new skill development and sales training courses.
• Participating in growth conferences and tradeshows.