Landscape Design/Build Business Development Specialist
About the Employer
Our client is an award-winning, family-owned landscape architecture and construction firm based in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs (Lake in the Hills / Barrington area). With over 29 years of history, they are a premier provider of "Complete Care" solutions, serving high-end residential and commercial clients throughout Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin. The company culture is built on "Open Book Management," offering financial transparency and a team-oriented environment where every employee’s voice matters.
About the Position
This is a hybrid "hunter/farmer" role reporting to the Sales Representative/Management team, designed for a professional who thrives on generating new business while managing a portfolio of "A" and "A+" residential and commercial clients. The successful candidate will not only drive sales goals but also utilize their design skills to create custom outdoor living projects, serving as the primary bridge between the client and the production team.
Responsibilities
- Drive Sales & Growth: Independently generate leads for new sales, conduct cold calls, and uncover additional opportunities within the existing client base to exceed sales goals.
- Manage Client Lifecycle: overseeing the full sales pipeline—from generating proposals and estimates to presenting solutions, obtaining price approvals, and executing contracts.
- Design Custom Projects: Create landscape designs using DynaScape (AutoCAD) and responsibly manage designer costs; work with the Senior Designer for complex support when needed.
- Foster Relationships: Build long-lasting relationships with a goal of a 90% renewal rate, utilizing networking and social media (LinkedIn) to expand industry connections.
- Project Oversight: Conduct preconstruction meetings, prepare job packets, and coordinate site setup with Supervisors/Foremen to ensure quality control and budget adherence.
- Pipeline Management: Manage daily activities and sales pipeline using industry-specific software (BOSS LM) and Outlook to ensure organized and timely follow-ups.
- Operational Collaboration: Work closely with the design/build team on construction work orders and manage labor/equipment effectively to meet gross profit objectives.
Requirements
- Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in Landscape Sales and/or Landscape Account Management is required.
- Technical Proficiency: Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word); familiarity with BOSS LM and DynaScape (AutoCAD) is highly preferred, or the ability to learn via training.
- Sales Acumen: Demonstrated success in B2B sales, face-to-face client interactions, and cold calling.
- Education: Minimum of an Associate’s degree; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Licensing: Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the company’s policy.
- Soft Skills: Strong time management, the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and professional communication skills.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $75,000 - $100,000 per year (Base Salary + Commission).
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match.
- Health: Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Additional Perks: Company-paid life insurance, paid time off (PTO), and holiday pay.
- Travel/Tools: Mileage reimbursement and phone allowance provided.
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