The Role
Support business growth by researching prospects, generating leads, initiating outreach, and maintaining pipeline in CRM. Expand client relationships, assist leadership with proposals and market research, coordinate cross-functional efforts, attend industry events, and represent the company professionally.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Title: Business Development Representative
Company: Janotta & Herner
Reports to: Director of Business Development
The Business Development Representative supports the growth of the organization by strengthening existing client relationships and identifying new business opportunities. Under the direction of the Business Development Director, this role focuses on lead generation, relationship development, and collaboration with leadership to support strategic initiatives and new projects.
Under the supervision of the Director of Business Development, the BDR will work closely with internal teams to research prospects, initiate outreach, and help move opportunities through the early stages of the business development process. This position is ideal for someone who is driven, relationship‑focused, and eager to learn the fundamentals of business growth while making a meaningful impact.
Areas of Responsibility
Lead Generation & Prospect Development
- Identify and cultivate new business opportunities by researching prospective clients, markets, and industries aligned with the company’s strategic goals. Proactively initiate outreach through calls, emails, networking events, and referrals to build an active pipeline of qualified leads. Maintain organized records of prospect activity and follow‑ups to support consistent and timely engagement.
- Support the growth of existing client relationships by understanding client needs, identifying potential areas for additional services or projects, and facilitating introductions or discussions with leadership as appropriate. Assist in maintaining positive, professional relationships through regular communication, responsiveness, and follow‑up, helping position the company as a trusted partner.
- Under the direction of the Director of Business Development, collaborate with leadership to support new business initiatives, including proposal development, market research, and opportunity assessment. Assist in gathering information, preparing materials, and coordinating next steps for new projects to ensure alignment with company capabilities and strategic goals.
- Accurately track leads, client interactions, and business development activities using CRM tools or internal tracking systems. Provide timely updates and insights to leadership regarding pipeline status, emerging opportunities, and trends to support informed decision‑making and prioritization.
- Work with internal teams such as operations, marketing, and leadership to ensure business development efforts are coordinated and well‑informed. Share relevant insights from prospect and client conversations to help align outreach, messaging, and service offerings with market demand.
- Actively participate in industry events, trade shows, conferences, and networking functions to build relationships, increase brand awareness, and identify potential business opportunities. Engage with prospective clients, partners, and industry professionals to expand the company’s network and gather market insights.
- Represent the organization in a professional and approachable manner, communicating the company’s value proposition and areas of expertise.
- Work under the direction of the Director of Business Development to professionally represent the organization in all communications, while supporting initial client interactions by communicating the company’s value proposition and ensuring smooth handoffs to leadership or operational teams as opportunities move forward.
Required
- 0-5 years of experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, construction management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Basic understanding of business development and sales concepts, including lead generation, prospect qualification, and relationship building.
- General business acumen, with the ability to understand client needs and how services or solutions may align.
- Familiarity with CRM systems or sales tracking tools (or ability to learn quickly).
- Working knowledge of professional communication standards for email, phone, and virtual or in‑person interactions.
- Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, professionalism, and brand representation.
- Interpersonal and relationship‑building skills, with comfort engaging new people and maintaining ongoing contact.
- Ability to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and adapt communication based on the audience.
- Problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills to assess opportunities and determine appropriate next steps.
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while knowing when to escalate questions or issues.
- Ability to support the Director of Business Development, and leadership members with research, preparation, and coordination of business development activities.
- Ability to represent the organization positively in all interactions with clients, prospects, and internal teams.
- Comfort with public speaking and presenting to both small and large groups, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
Preferred
- Prior internship, entry‑level role, or coursework related to sales, marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
- Experience with customer‑facing roles (retail, service, hospitality, call center, etc.).
- Exposure to proposal support, market research, or client outreach efforts.
- Background or general knowledge on construction or similar industries
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey ideas, build rapport, and interact professionally with clients, prospects, and internal teams.
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to take initiative, manage time effectively, and contribute to business development efforts with minimal supervision.
- Comfortable networking and building relationships, with confidence engaging new people in a variety of settings, including meetings, events, and industry functions.
- Ability to work collaboratively while also operating independently, demonstrating sound judgment in prioritizing tasks and advancing opportunities.
Working Conditions
- Full-time
- This position is a combination of office‑based and field‑based work, with approximately 40-75% of time spent outside of the office.
- This role involves working in an office environment during the hours of 7:00am-4:00pm. Regular flexibility in working hours will be needed based on events and business needs.
- Ability to travel locally and regionally as needed
- Frequent walking at client sites, facilities, or events
- After hours networking events
Skills Required
- 0-5 years of experience
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, construction management, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Basic understanding of business development and sales concepts (lead generation, prospect qualification, relationship building)
- General business acumen to assess client needs and align services
- Familiarity with CRM systems or sales tracking tools (or ability to learn quickly)
- Working knowledge of professional communication standards for email, phone, and virtual or in-person interactions
- Awareness of confidentiality, professionalism, and brand representation
- Interpersonal and relationship-building skills; comfort engaging new people and maintaining contact
- Active listening, thoughtful questioning, and adaptable communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to assess opportunities and determine next steps
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and escalate when appropriate
- Ability to support Director of Business Development with research, preparation, and coordination
- Ability to represent the organization positively in all interactions
- Comfort with public speaking and presenting to small and large groups
- Prior internship, entry-level role, or coursework related to sales, marketing, communications, or business
- Experience with customer-facing roles (retail, service, hospitality, call center, etc.)
- Exposure to proposal support, market research, or client outreach efforts
- Background or general knowledge of construction or similar industries
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The Company
What We Do
Janotta & Herner is a leading design-build general contractor based in northern Ohio. The company specializes in build-to-suit automotive, commercial, industrial, financial, food grade, medical, and warehousing projects. As a 100% employee-owned firm, its mission is to provide excellence in design-build construction solutions, offering integrated services from architectural design and engineering through construction management.
