Business Development Associate

This role is designed to prepare a motivated professional for advancement into a Business Development position. Through exposure to construction fundamentals, estimating, business operations, client engagement, and curtain wall systems, the individual will develop the technical expertise, industry knowledge, and strategic perspective necessary to successfully represent Pioneer in the marketplace and drive future business growth. Company Overview At Pioneer, you're more than an employee, you're an owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, everyone shares our success through our ESOP retirement plan. We specialize in custom unitized curtain wall systems and are known for our innovative designs, award-winning technology, and commitment to quality. With offices across the Midwest and East Coast, we're growing--and so can your career. Pioneer provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, critical illness, and accident coverage. The company also offers employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. Committed to supporting work-life balance, Pioneer offers flexible work schedules to help employees thrive both professionally and personally. Join a team that values your voice, invests in your future, and celebrates your success. Job Summary The Business Development Associate plays a key role in supporting Pioneer's growth initiatives and serving as a foundation for future advancement within the Business Development team. This position is ideal for a motivated professional eager to learn the curtain wall industry, develop strong relationships with clients and industry partners, building the technical and commercial knowledge needed to support business growth and project acquisition efforts. The primary responsibility of this role is to assist with business development activities by identifying project opportunities, maintaining CRM and project pipeline data, supporting prequalification efforts, and collaborating with internal teams throughout the bidding and project acquisition process. This position provides valuable exposure to estimating, operations, project management, and sales strategy, offering a well-rounded understanding of Pioneer's business and market approach. Successful candidates will possess strong communication and organizational skills, a passion for relationship building, and a desire to contribute to Pioneer's continued growth while developing professionally within the organization. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Business Development & Lead Generation Research and identify prospective clients, projects, and market opportunities. Develop and maintain target lists of General Contractors, Developers, Architects, and Owners. Assist in establishing Pioneer on bidder lists and pre-qualification programs. Generate and qualify leads through phone calls, emails, LinkedIn outreach, and industry research. Schedule introductory meetings and presentations for the sales team. Support efforts to expand Pioneer's presence within existing and emerging markets. Maintain and update client and opportunity information within company databases and CRM systems. Client Relationship Development Build and maintain professional relationships with clients and industry partners. Serve as an initial point of contact for prospective customers. Support client communications and follow-up activities. Participate in client meetings, project interviews, and presentations alongside senior sales personnel. Represent Pioneer professionally in all interactions while developing industry knowledge and credibility. Sales & Market Support Assist in developing and maintaining a pipeline of upcoming project opportunities. Monitor bid boards, industry reports, and construction market activity for potential projects. Gather project intelligence and market data to support sales strategies. Support project qualification efforts by evaluating project fit, schedule, and market conditions. Technical & Industry Development Become an industry expert by learning curtain wall systems, fabrication processes, installation practices, and industry terminology. Develop an understanding of construction documents including plans, specifications, and bid packages. Support estimating and sales teams in reviewing project requirements. Participate in internal training programs focused on product knowledge, construction practices, and project delivery. Gain exposure to project management, operations, engineering, and manufacturing functions to understand the complete project lifecycle. Communication & Collaboration Collaborate closely with Estimating, Project Management, Operations, Engineering, and Executive Leadership teams. Assist with preparing client presentations and sales materials. Maintain detailed meeting notes and project information for sales and estimating teams. Participate in cross-functional meetings to better understand project execution and customer needs. Professional Development Participate in industry organizations and networking events when appropriate. Develop presentation and business development skills through mentorship and training. Work toward becoming a subject matter expert in curtain wall systems and construction sales. Demonstrate readiness to transition into an Outside Sales/Business Development Representative role through mastery of business, product, and sales processes. QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business, Construction Management, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field preferred. 0-3 years of experience in sales, business development, construction, customer service, or a related field. Experience in the construction industry is preferred but not required. Organized with strong attention to detail. Ability to learn technical concepts and construction-related terminology. Self-motivated with a strong desire for professional growth. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Comfortable conducting phone calls, outreach activities, and follow-up communications. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Travel up to 15-20% for client meetings, project visits, industry events, and training opportunities. Travel expectations will increase as the employee progresses toward an Outside Sales role.