Business Development Specialist

Business Developer for Boiler Systems | NYC Metro

Our client is a leading manufacturer's representative in the hydronic heating industry. The markets they serve are the greater NY Metro area including Long Island, Northern New Jersey, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties.

They are highly regarded for their expertise in heating system design, centrifugal pumping and pumping control, maximizing efficiency through best practices in design (not just equipment selection), best domestic hot water practices, and proper control selection. In addition, they have been one of the region’s leading provider of radiant heat and snow melt systems.

For more than 50 years, they have operated with a simple vision: Do it once, do it right, stand by our customers and make design/installation/troubleshooting as easy and pain free as possible.

This is a relationship-driven role focused on commercial and multi-family contractors. Roughly 60% of the work is sales calls and product demonstrations at contractor offices; the remaining time is field support for startups, commissioning, and troubleshooting. The goal is to build brand awareness and trust so contractors think of Rathe Associates first when they need equipment or support. The role is largely independent.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of about 40 - 60 contractor accounts; conduct regular office visits (typically on a quarterly rotation) to maintain relationships, introduce products, and demonstrate equipment using portable demo units, samples, or literature.
• Serve as the primary technical contact; provide Level 1–2 troubleshooting on boilers, controls, and related components (pumps, air separators, sequence of operations) and escalate complex issues as needed.
• Support startups and commissioning on job sites (typically 1–2 days per week plus follow-up).
• Maintain a full daily schedule focused on relationship building and opportunities that drive long-term preference.
• Log all calls, meetings, and visits in the CRM immediately afterward, including notes and follow-up tasks.
• Follow up consistently after interactions (information, samples, job-site support, and one or two friendly check-ins).
• Deliver 1 to 4-hour training sessions once comfortable with a product or topic (troubleshooting, installation best practices, applications).
• Promote and support factory training events, including occasional two-day factory trips with contractors.
• Build relationships through lunches, dinners, and association meetings (2–3 per month). Occasional personal or family activities where natural connections exist; Attend one major trade show per year.

Required Qualifications

• Personable and professional demeanor
• Adept with and other technology; able to utilize CRM and do basic internet searching comfortably; navigate a manufacturer's website; AI / ChatGPT familiarity – ability to use as needed.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with boilers and boiler controls, including troubleshooting in mechanical rooms.
• Ability to clearly demonstrate products and answer technical questions.
• Comfortable presenting and willingness to conduct training classes.
• Friendly, optimistic personality with strong relationship-building skills and disciplined follow-up habits.
• Self-motivated and organized; able to manage a full schedule with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to spend most of the workday in the field.

Preferred

• Experience with commercial or multi-family projects; prior manufacturers’ representative or wholesale background; possesses existing relationships in the New York metro area.

Working Conditions

• Primarily field-based with daily travel concentrated in the five boroughs; mix of contractor office visits and job-site support; occasional evening meetings and factory training trips; largely autonomous day-to-day.

Benefits

• Healthcare (individual) - $20 per week. No co-pays, no deductibles - incredible plan
• Dental available; Vision available
• 401K Match up to 6%
• PTO
• Life Insurance
• Enhanced long and short term disability