Senior Business Development Specialist-Manufacturing

Manufacturing Business Development Specialist II   The Opportunity: The Manufacturing Business Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and converting new business opportunities within the Manufacturing Jeweler persona. This role focuses on targeted outreach, strategic prospecting, customer visits, and a strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment. The specialist plays a central role in expanding our customer base and will partner closely with internal teams to ensure a coordinated and seamless approach to new business development.   What You’ll Do: • Actively source and identify manufacturing jewelers who align with Rio Grande’s customer profile • Meet required monthly and annual customer acquisition targets • Conduct strategic outreach through calls, emails, social engagement, and in-person visits • Travel occasionally for customer visits, equipment discussions, and on-site evaluations • Provide prospects with a clear understanding of Rio Grande’s equipment, tools, processes, and service capabilities • Guide potential customers on equipment selection and operational needs based on their production goals • Build strong relationships that lead to new customer onboarding and early-stage growth • Attend industry trade shows and events as a representative of Rio Grande • Track activity and pipeline progress in HubSpot, ensuring accurate notes and follow-up • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including technical support, merchandising, and sales support • Maintain strong product knowledge across the Rio Grande portfolio, especially capital equipment, tools, technology, and manufacturing processes • Represent Rio Grande professionally at customer locations, trade shows, and industry gatherings   What You’ll Need: • Three or more years of sales experience with a focus on business development or customer acquisition • Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred, or equivalent experience • Strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment is highly preferred • Experience discussing equipment evaluations, workflow needs, or process improvements with customers is highly preferred • Strong communication and relationship-building skills • Self-motivated and comfortable working toward clear monthly and annual goals • Ability to manage time and pipeline efficiently in a fast-paced environment • HubSpot experience preferred  Compensation This position offers a base pay plus a commission structure tied directly to new customer acquisition.    Working Conditions/Schedule:  Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Setting: Office setting with occasional travel to meet clients or attend industry events. Hybrid work is optional but not required. Equipment: Use of a computer, telephone, and headset. The successful candidate will enjoy a rewarding, challenging, and principled work environment. For more information about us please visit:  Rio Grande is a Metal Free environment within our operations areas.  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train, and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other underrepresented class. We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions. The Reward:  Rio Grande provides a generous benefit package for full-time (30+ hours a week) associates that includes: Medical plan with low premium rates and no high deductible (includes dental and vision) and telemedicine 401(k) matching program Paid time-off benefits, plus an additional seven paid holidays Paid life insurance and optional additional life insurance Long-term and short-term disability Flexible spending account Pet insurance Tuition reimbursement On-site gym and company wellness program Bereavement leave Employee discounts at Rio Grande Local and national discounts on various travel and entertainment Competitive compensation, including an opportunity to share in the profits Our associates strive for joint accountability. We work together for the success of our stakeholders, and we provide a thoughtful, fun, and creative environment to support them. We encourage professional and personal development through a variety of training opportunities and a focus on promoting from within. The Company: Established in 1944, Rio Grande, a Berkshire-Hathaway manufacturer/distributor, has thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our guiding principles, The 3 R’s, Respect, Responsibility and Results, on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment. Within our 186,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility, with covered parking, Rio Grande has sales, marketing, supply chain, IT and administrative offices, a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 40,000 items, and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die and electronics/mechanical assembly.