What are the responsibilities and job description for the External Sales Representative position at Cornerstone Detention Products?
We are seeking a motivated and results-driven External Sales Representative. This role is ideal for an experienced sales professional who enjoys developing customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and managing the bid and estimating process for institutional and detention facility construction projects.
The successful candidate will be responsible for business development, sales presentations, bid preparation, estimating coordination, contract negotiation, and maintaining strong relationships with customers and industry partners.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Sales
- Identify and develop new customer relationships and sales opportunities.
- Generate, qualify, and prioritize leads.
- Conduct customer meetings and professional sales presentations.
- Build and maintain relationships with general contractors, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
- Negotiate contracts and subcontractor bids.
- Develop sales forecasts and business plans.
Estimating & Bid Management
- Obtain and review RFPs, bid packages, plans, specifications, and drawings.
- Prepare project estimates, bids, and submittals.
- Oversee the bid process from opportunity identification through award.
- Present bid proposals and submittal packages to customers.
- Maintain bid records, estimating details, and project documentation.
- Support the development and improvement of estimating systems and procedures.
Marketing & Industry Engagement
- Assist with the development and implementation of marketing programs.
- Participate in trade shows and industry events.
- Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and competitive activity.
- Maintain competitor and market analysis information.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of five (5) years of direct sales experience.
- Proven success in outside sales and business development.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent presentation, organizational, and time management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
- Ability to travel by vehicle and air as required.
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree.
- Five (5) years of experience in detention facility or institutional construction.
- Experience with government bid estimating and contract administration.
- Knowledge of government procurement processes.
- Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints and schematics.
Desired Skills
- Relationship building and customer engagement
- Contract negotiation
- Lead generation and prospecting
- Project estimating and bid preparation
- Strategic planning and forecasting
- Marketing and business development
- Competitive market analysis
- Goal-oriented mindset with strong follow-through
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and telephone for extended periods.
- Ability to travel frequently by automobile and air.
What Success Looks Like
Performance in this role will be measured by:
- New accounts and business development growth
- Sales volume and contract awards
- Profit margins achieved
- Accuracy and timeliness of bids and estimates
- Sales forecasting and reporting
- Market and competitor intelligence
- Professional and ethical sales practices
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- BCBS Medical, Dental, VSP Vision
- 401K Fidelity
- Tuition Assistance / Student loan reimbursement
- Life Insurance, Disability insurance, and accident insurance
- Legal Insurance
- Teladoc
Required: Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.
EOE/M/F/Veteran/Disabled