Market Development Manager

Overview Market Development Manager in the Sales department (Full-Time, Exempt) reports to the Director of Sales, Business Development. This role focuses on identifying and developing early-stage business opportunities across the Southeast by building market intelligence and cultivating industry relationships. The role partners with Sales, Operations, and Marketing to identify companies entering, expanding, or investing in the region, and engages with economic development organizations, industrial real estate professionals, developers, contractors, and site selection consultants to create qualified growth opportunities and strengthen Carolina Handling’s market presence across key verticals and geographies. Responsibilities Intelligence network development: Build and maintain relationships with economic development organizations in all five states; establish connections with leading industrial general contractors and site selectors; develop preferred-partner relationships with top industrial real estate developers and tenant-rep brokers. Market monitoring & lead generation: Monitor building permit activity for industrial construction >40,000 sq ft; track job postings in target states; follow economic development announcements, incentive packages, and site selection news; monitor trade press for target verticals; track industrial real estate lease transactions and spec building absorption. Pipeline management & handoff: Log signals and prospects in CRM with source, company profile, estimated timeline, square footage, and vertical classification; qualify prospects against ideal customer profile; facilitate warm introductions; maintain active BD pipeline with 20+ qualified opportunities; deliver weekly intelligence briefing to sales leadership. Market positioning & partnerships: Represent the company at economic development events and vertical trade shows; co-host facility planning events with ED organizations and GC partners; develop and maintain a BD leave-behind; collaborate with marketing on case studies and content for target verticals. Requirements All potential hires are subject to pre-employment checks including background checks, drug screenings, and motor vehicle record checks. College degree or equivalent experience preferred. 3-5 years of experience in business development, economic development, commercial real estate, industrial sales, or closely related field. Strong understanding of the industrial real estate market and/or economic development ecosystem in the Southeast. Proficient in Microsoft Office products including MS Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment. Adept at assimilating and disseminating information in a professional manner. Demonstrate a team approach and the ability to pursue common goals. Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills. Demonstrate resourcefulness and judgment to resolve routine problems relating to assigned projects. Good organizational skills with high-level self-structure, producing accurate work with strong attention to detail. Ability to manage large volumes of information accurately and effectively. What You’ll Need For Success Work Ethic: Accountability, time management, self-motivation, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous learning. Team Mindset: Empathy, alignment with customer needs, effective communication, respect for customers, and flexibility to accommodate changing requirements. Coachability: Curiosity, openness to feedback, and a proactive approach to personal and professional development. Active Problem Solving: Critical thinking skills and the ability to identify and implement effective solutions to challenges. Influential Decision Making: Ability to play a significant role in decision-making processes to support customers and collaborate with other teams. Role Model: Providing guidance and support to junior Associates, serving as an example of excellence in the role. Relationship Building: Strong skills in fostering cross-functional relationships within the organization, collaborating effectively with various departments. Benefits Benefits Built For YOU. We offer a comprehensive benefit program to protect health, family, and lifestyle, including: Health Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Prescription Drug Plan. Financial And Tax-Saving Benefits: Company-paid Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance; 401(k) plan with company match and profit sharing; Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, and Dependent Care Account. Additional Benefits: Critical Illness, Legal Services, Identity Theft Protection, and Pet Insurance. Company Benefits: Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Milestone & Anniversary Gifts, Philanthropy/Corporate Contributions, Associate Giving Fund, and Discount Programs. Comprehensive Perks Package Including: Competitive Commission Program; Company Vehicle or Automobile Allowance; Technology and Home Office Setup; Expense Reimbursement; Professional Development Opportunities; Career Growth and Advancement; Company-sponsored social events and team-building activities; Employee recognition program / President’s Club. Travel Travel: Daily/Weekly travel to customer sites is required; occasional overnight travel may be required based on location and project scope. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions The position is classified as medium work with the ability to operate motor vehicles and heavy equipment. Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Clear articulation and voice control are essential. This role may involve visits to customer sites, outdoor conditions, and travel to client locations for sales calls and presentations. Standard office equipment is used, and noise levels range from moderate to high. Legal / EEO This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills. Management reserves the right to modify duties as necessary. This job description does not create a contract of employment. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled. #HP1966 #J-18808-Ljbffr