SUMMARY:

The Business Development Manager (BDM) leads initiatives that drive business development activities and generate new opportunities for growth. The BDM will build market position by locating, developing, defining, and closing business relationships. While emphasizing growth of Digital Team, the Business Development Manager will also seek opportunities across all Running Pony platform businesses. 

This role involves working closely with other departments to create and implement growth strategies. The Business Development Manager will focus on market research, lead generation, and relationship management to help Running Pony expand its market share and enhance customer satisfaction. The BDM will have excellent negotiation skills, experience managing budgets, and a strong understanding of business acumen.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·      Work with the Digital Team to build/grow account activity.

·      Responsible for the growth and profitability of new and existing accounts.

·      Ensure that overall account revenues meet departmental goals.

·      Establish and develop a system for maintaining regular contact with each client.

·      Work with Director of Business Operations to build a quality list of sales prospects, research and call on them, close the deal, and provide a seamless transfer to implementation.

·      Maintain direct, regular contact with prospects and clients, and communicates effectively between the company, clients and vendors.

·      Present and effectively sell plans to clients; where creative personnel are present, support them in selling concepts and plans.

·      Prepare client estimates, budgets, budget updates and final invoicing (in conjunction with Office Manager).

·      Coordinate projects/job timing and budgets with all relevant company personnel for smooth, efficient operation.

·      Ensure prompt collection of accounts receivable and monitors credit-worthiness of accounts.

·      Represent the company in the community through business/civic organizations.

·      Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, the BDM must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

·      A strong track record of success in a business development manager or related role, with experience in lead generation and market research.

·      Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, distributors, and potential clients.

·      Proven experience in strategic planning and execution of growth strategies in competitive markets.

·      Expertise in negotiation skills, with a history of securing favorable deals and partnerships.

·      Strong problem-solving abilities and experience working with cross-functional teams to achieve business growth.

·      Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, CRM software, and other industry-specific tools for managing client relationships.

·      Strong understanding of market trends, business acumen, and the ability to align business objectives with broader market research.

·      Experience managing budgets and tracking the financial impact of business development activities.

·      Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capacity to influence senior management and drive initiatives.

Education, Experience, Knowledge:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; 5+ years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.