Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Rochester, NY

The Business Development Manager is responsible for developing new client relationships and expanding strategic partnerships for JKExec. This individual will work directly with senior executives and business leaders to understand organizational needs, introduce the firm’s retained search capabilities, and position JKExec as a trusted advisor.

This role requires a consultative, relationship-driven approach to business development. The right person will be comfortable initiating new relationships, leading thoughtful client conversations, and navigating complex sales cycles with professionalism and sound judgment. The individual in this role will collaborate closely with internal recruiting leadership to ensure a strong transition from business development to search execution, while helping maintain long-term client relationships that support repeat business and market growth.

Responsibilities:

• Identify, target, and secure new client partnerships within JKExec’s core industry verticals through proactive outreach, networking, and referrals.
• Execute a high-touch business development strategy, including cold calling, email campaigns, and in-person meetings with senior-level decision-makers.
• Build and cultivate relationships with prospective clients, positioning JKExec as a strategic, long-term talent partner.
• Lead consultative discovery conversations to understand client organizations, business objectives, and talent needs.
• Clearly define scope of work, search requirements, and engagement expectations prior to close.
• Prepare and deliver tailored proposals, presentations, and engagement agreements aligned with client needs.
• Own the full business development lifecycle, from initial outreach through negotiation and closing of retained and exclusive search engagements.
• Facilitate a seamless and structured handoff of newly secured searches to the recruiting team, ensuring all relevant client insights, expectations, and requirements are clearly communicated.
• Monitor industry trends, hiring activity, and competitive landscape to inform outreach strategy and uncover new business opportunities.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance brand presence and generate leads.
• Track and manage all business development activity within CRM (Loxo), ensuring accurate pipeline management, reporting, and forecasting.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic growth initiatives and market expansion efforts.
• Other duties/projects as determined by JKExec management.

Qualifications:

Competencies/Skills:

• Strong consultative sales and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• High level of professionalism with a “white glove” client service mindset
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability
• Ability to operate in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Resilience and persistence in a proactive, outreach-driven role
• Business acumen and understanding of professional services environments
• Initiative and self-motivation
• Decision-making and negotiation skills

Functional Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 7 years of business development or sales experience, preferably within professional services, or a related consultative environment
• Proven track record of generating new business through cold outreach and relationship development
• Experience working with senior executives and decision-makers across sectors where consultative, relationship based business development is valued.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM systems and pipeline management

Compensation:

Base salary range of $60-75k plus commission opportunities based on sales performance tiers.

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.