NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - EASTERN IA

Job Description

Job Description

About Us:

At Storey Kenworthy / Workspace, we’ve brought together two strong brands with one clear vision: to deliver thoughtful solutions for the way people work. What we do goes beyond office products and spaces—we help shape how work gets done.

Whether you’re designing environments, supporting customers, selling solutions, or installing and delivering workspaces, your work here has a real impact. We believe in empowering and inspiring people to live and work better, and that includes our own teams.

We know work can feel like work sometimes. But when there’s purpose behind what you do, it’s easier to feel engaged and proud of the impact you’re making. We care about employee wellbeing and growth, and we encourage our people to succeed both inside our walls and beyond them. That sense of purpose is what drives us every day—and it’s what brings our teams together.

Job Summary:

The New Business Development Manager (Eastern Iowa) is responsible for generating new revenue by identifying, pursuing, and converting business opportunities within workplace, education, and other emerging markets. This individual will build a strong pipeline, develop trusted client and industry relationships, and coordinate with internal teams to deliver tailored furniture and workplace solutions. The role is a hands-on, individual-contributor position focused on prospecting, relationship development, and achieving established sales goals.

Essential Job Functions:

35% - New Business Development and Prospecting:

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities throughout Eastern Iowa and assigned focus markets

• Develop and maintain a consistent prospecting plan using networking, referrals, industry research, and outbound outreach

• Build and manage a robust pipeline of qualified prospective clients and projects

• Track activities, opportunities, and next steps in the company’s CRM and provide regular pipeline updates

25% - Client and Industry Relationship Management:

• Cultivate relationships with prospective clients in workplace, education, and other focus markets

• Build and leverage relationships with key decision makers and influencers in real estate, architecture and design, construction, vendor, and rep communities

• Serve as a trusted advisor by understanding client needs, business objectives, timelines, and budgets

• Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, association meetings, and networking functions

20% - Sales Execution:

• Manage provided annuity accounts to become familiar with the full sales process, including quoting, ordering, project management, and punch

• Qualify opportunities and guide prospective clients through the sales process from initial introduction through close

• Collaborate with Sales and Design teams to develop proposals, presentations, pricing strategies, and tailored solutions

• Participate in contract negotiations and close business in alignment with company goals and established approval processes

• Meet or exceed established revenue, pipeline, activity, and conversion goals

10% - Market Development and Planning:

• Execute business development plans designed to grow market share and revenue within assigned markets

• Monitor market trends, customer needs, and competitor activity to identify new opportunities

• Provide market intelligence and client feedback to leadership and internal teams

• Support development of targeted campaigns, events, and market-specific growth initiatives

10% - Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with leadership, design, project management, sales service, and operations teams to support a seamless client experience

• Coordinate effective handoffs and maintain clear communication throughout the sales and project lifecycle

• Share relevant client, market, and competitive insights to help refine company offerings and strategies

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Interior Design, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience:

5+ years of experience in business development, outside sales, and/or account management. Experience in the contract furniture, commercial interiors, education, construction, architecture and design, or related industry is preferred.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to develop new business, manage a sales pipeline, and achieve revenue goals

• Strong relationship-building, networking, prospecting, and consultative selling skills

• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and follow-up skills

• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing opportunities, and maintain consistent sales activity

• Strong business judgment, analytical thinking, and organizational skills

• Proficiency with CRM systems and standard business technology

• Understanding of furniture industry procurement processes, design needs, public-sector contracts, and cooperative purchasing agreements is preferred

% Travel Required (approximate): Up to 25%