Business Development Lead
Position Description
Hanson is seeking a full-time Business Development Lead to drive our agency’s new business strategy and execution, ensuring we meet and exceed revenue growth goals. This role is responsible for developing, directing and executing all aspects of our sales strategy in close partnership with agency leadership — from prospect identification and outreach to proposal development and deal-closing. The Business Development Lead will manage technical sales partnerships, oversee lead generation and qualification, and serve as the primary driver of new client acquisition.
A key responsibility of this role is developing and directing the creation of agency marketing materials that support sales, including case studies, email campaigns, social content, thought leadership, and event materials.
The Business Development Lead will also work closely with the agency’s subject matter experts, project teams and leadership to position Hanson’s capabilities to prospective clients in a compelling and tailored way.
This position reports to the Chief Strategy Officer. Compensation is a mix of base salary and commission.
Responsibilities & Expectations
Sales Leadership & Strategy
- Develop, own and execute Hanson’s new business strategy in collaboration with agency leadership.
- Establish revenue growth goals, track progress and adjust tactics based on performance metrics and market insights.
- Identify target markets, verticals and accounts aligned with Hanson’s capabilities and growth objectives.
- Lead RFP/RFI response strategies in partnership with agency leaders and subject matter experts.
- Maintain and grow strategic technical sales partnerships to drive lead flow and market reach.
Business Development Execution
- Prospect for and identify qualified opportunities through outbound outreach, inbound inquiries, networking, and partner channels.
- Conduct discovery meetings to understand client needs and position Hanson’s capabilities effectively.
- Lead pitch and proposal development, ensuring clear, compelling and tailored client presentations.
- Negotiate and close contracts in partnership with agency leadership.
- Represent Hanson at networking, industry and partner events to strengthen relationships and increase visibility.
Agency Marketing Material Development
- Lead the creation of marketing materials to support sales efforts, including case studies, proposals, pitch decks, email campaigns, social content, thought leadership, and event materials.
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure materials reflect Hanson’s brand, voice and value proposition.
Pipeline & Performance Management
- Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, forecasting and reporting through the agency’s CRM tools (e.g., Pipedrive, Sales Navigator).
- Monitor and analyze sales performance metrics to inform strategy and improve conversion rates.
- Identify and implement best practices for lead generation, qualification and closing.
Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of business development or sales experience, preferably in a web development, marketing or creative agency environment.
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue goals.
- Experience managing the full sales cycle from prospecting and lead qualification through proposal, negotiation and closing.
- Strong leadership skills with prior experience managing and developing team members.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable sales plans.
- Proficiency in CRM systems and sales tools (e.g., Pipedrive, Sales Navigator, Google Workspace).
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events and partner engagements as needed.
What We Offer
- Hybrid work environment (primarily remote with in-office collaboration on Tuesdays; candidates must live within ~50 miles of Toledo, OH and be able to attend occasional team/client meetings)
- Competitive base salary with commission
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Group life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) + Employer Match
- Paid holidays, including paid time off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
- Paid birthday day off
- Flexible spending account (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
We are currently working in a hybrid work-from-home and in-office model, so you’ll be collaborating with Hanson teams in person and/or via Microsoft Teams, Slack and email.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, or a related field
- MBA or advanced degree
- 7+ years of business development or sales experience
- Experience in a web development, marketing, or creative agency environment
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales and revenue goals
- Experience managing the full sales cycle from prospecting and lead qualification through proposal, negotiation, and closing
- Prior experience managing and developing team members
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking and ability to translate business goals into actionable sales plans
- Proficiency in CRM systems and sales tools, including Pipedrive, Sales Navigator, or Google Workspace
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, industry events, and partner engagements as needed
- Residence within approximately 50 miles of Toledo, Ohio
- Ability to attend occasional team and client meetings
What We Do
Hanson Inc. is an integrated marketing agency based in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, combining brand strategy, creative work, and technology to develop digital experiences and solve client challenges. Its capabilities include audience research and analytics, digital and social marketing, content, web and mobile development, and marketing automation. The agency partners with organizations to turn ideas into measurable outcomes, bringing strategy, creative, and technical expertise together from concept through execution.
