Business Development Specialist

Risus Talent Partners is partnering with an established packaging manufacturer to hire a Business Development Specialist for its Cleveland-area territory.

The Business Development Specialist will serve as a product and application resource for protective-packaging solutions, actively pursuing new business through distributors and end users. This individual will collaborate with territory managers, sales leadership, and technical teams to grow revenue, meet profitability goals, and strengthen customer relationships.

Cleveland is the preferred home base, with Columbus and other locations within the territory considered. Coverage includes designated Ohio markets, western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Principal Accountabilities

• Serve as the primary protective-packaging contact and product resource for accounts within the assigned territory.
• Develop new business while maintaining and expanding existing distributor relationships.
• Meet assigned revenue and contribution-margin goals in collaboration with sales, product management, manufacturing, and systems/service teams.
• Evaluate territory performance, monitor market trends and competitor activity, and provide customer feedback to internal teams.
• Conduct regular distributor and end-user meetings to identify opportunities and promote priority products.
• Prospect key end users and maintain a pipeline of opportunities in CRM.
• Support distributor sales representatives through joint customer visits and consultative solution development.
• Partner with territory managers to win end-user business and distributor conversions.
• Manage qualified opportunities through the sales cycle to close.
• Coordinate with sales leadership to identify the appropriate distribution partner to service new business.
• Train distributor representatives on product features, benefits, and applications.
• Recommend protective-packaging materials and systems that address customer needs.
• Resolve customer concerns through proactive communication, internal coordination, and consistent follow-through.
• Promote complementary products and solutions to expand account penetration.

Essential Skills and Experience

• A strong hunter mentality and competitive drive.
• At least four years of experience selling tangible products .
• Demonstrated success developing new business through prospecting and cold outreach.
• Experience managing a territory and building relationships with customers at multiple organizational levels.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication, presentation, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a broader team.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the territory.
• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Industrial or protective-packaging sales experience is a plus. Proven sales experience in related manufacturing, industrial, or distribution markets may also be considered.

Apply today to learn more about the opportunity.