What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development Manager position at Custom Protect Ear Inc.?
Business Development Manager - Join the Frontlines of Hearing Protection Innovation!
Location: Detroit, MI (Michigan and North Ohio Based Travel)
Department: Sales
Reports To: Director of Sales
Compensation: Competitive Salary Lucrative Commission Structure
Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Are you a driven sales powerhouse with a passion for building relationships and closing deals that make a real difference? At CPE, we're revolutionizing hearing protection for industries across the nation, helping Fortune 1000 companies safeguard their teams with cutting-edge, custom solutions. As our Business Development Manager, you'll be the driving force behind expanding our reach, turning leads into loyal customers, and growing sales in your dedicated territory. If you thrive on the thrill of the hunt—from cold calls to trade show triumphs—and love being the expert who solves real-world problems, this is your opportunity to shine!
Why CPE?
We're not just selling products; we're delivering better hearing and safer workplaces. Join a collaborative team where your ideas matter, your success is rewarded, and you'll have the tools, support, and autonomy to exceed quotas and build a rewarding career. With a focus on innovation and customer advocacy, you'll work alongside top talent in sales and technical support to create lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive Growth: Identify and develop sales opportunities in your territory, smashing quotas through proactive lead generation, cold calling, presentations, and relationship nurturing.
- Build and Maintain Relationships: Convert prospects into customers by selling our premium hearing protection solutions, while fostering long-term partnerships with existing accounts to boost repeat sales and year-over-year growth.
- CRM Mastery: Manage all customer data, forecasts, pipelines, and key account plans in our CRM system to keep everything organized and strategic.
- Event Engagement: Represent CPE at tradeshows, events, and on-site visits, showcasing our products as the hearing protection expert—providing fitting recommendations, product demos, and even creating ear impressions when needed.
- Collaborate and Innovate: Partner with the Director of Sales, Sales Support, and your Hearing Protection Fit Technician (HPFT) to ensure seamless customer journeys. Share market insights, competitive intel, and ideas for new tools or products to fuel our growth.
- Customer Champion: Deliver exceptional service, solve problems, and advocate for clients, earning top Net Promoter Scores while monitoring trends and supporting team initiatives.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience: 5 years in direct B2B sales (not distribution) within the US, ideally selling affordable, high-volume industrial products to branch facilities of major corporations like Fortune 1000 companies. Bonus points for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) expertise!
- Proven Track Record: A history of sales success—think President's Club, awards, and consistent quota-crushing performance.
- Skills: Masterful in negotiation, pricing, discounting, and forecasting. Strong communicator who can tailor messages to client needs, focusing on benefits over features. Familiarity with technical product specs and competitive landscapes.
- Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
Essential Qualities:
- Willingness to travel 70% (mostly by car, some air).
- Detail-oriented with a player-coach mindset—ethical, independent, and team-focused.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
- Valid driver's license, passport, and a reliable vehicle for daily use.
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs, work in noisy/dusty environments, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, or email.
Work Environment:
This dynamic role blends home-office flexibility with on-the-road excitement. You'll visit customer sites, attend events, and collaborate remotely, ensuring you're always at the heart of the action. Expect extended periods of sitting, standing, driving, and using a computer—perfect for those who love variety!
At CPE, we're committed to your success with comprehensive training, sales tools, and a supportive culture that values ethics, innovation, and work-life balance (even with travel). If you're ready to elevate your sales career and protect hearing one deal at a time, apply today!
CPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities