What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Business Development Manager position at Tencate Grass?
Associate Business Development Manager
TenCate
Location: California (Territory-Based Role)
Location: California (Territory-Based Role)
Company Overview
TenCate is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of high-performance synthetic turf systems and sports surfacing solutions. With a strong portfolio of brands and operating companies across North America, TenCate partners with schools, municipalities, universities, professional organizations, and private facilities to deliver innovative, durable, and performance-driven sports construction solutions.
We are seeking an energetic and relationship-driven Associate Business Development Manager based in California to support market growth, develop new client relationships, and build a long-term career in territory sales.
This role is ideal for an early-career sales professional who enjoys being in the field, connecting with customers, and learning how complex, high-value projects move from first conversation through contract award.
Position Summary
The Associate Business Development Manager supports new revenue growth within an assigned California territory by prospecting, qualifying, and advancing opportunities related to synthetic turf systems, running tracks, and sports construction solutions.
The role combines hands-on training with ownership of lead generation, client outreach, smaller opportunities, and territory development. As experience and performance grow, the Associate BDM will take on greater responsibility for accounts and closing business independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Travel approximately 60% to 75% within the assigned California territory
- Research, identify, and qualify prospective customers and project opportunities
- Support development and execution of territory-specific business development plans
- Conduct sales calls, site visits, presentations, and client meetings alongside senior sales team members and independently as appropriate
- Learn and apply value-based selling methods, including ROI discussions and capital planning strategies
- Build relationships with school districts, municipalities, athletic directors, architects, contractors, and other decision-makers
- Maintain accurate CRM activity, opportunity details, follow-up tasks, and weekly pipeline reporting
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Estimating, Operations, and Sales Leadership
- Attend industry trade shows, conferences, client events, and internal meetings
- Develop strong knowledge of TenCate product lines, the competitive landscape, and market trends
- Represent TenCate professionally as a brand ambassador in the region
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- One to three years of sales, business development, customer-facing, or related experience preferred; construction, sports, capital equipment, or landscaping experience is a plus
- Demonstrated initiative and interest in developing a career in consultative, territory-based sales
- Ability to learn financial concepts and participate in ROI-driven discussions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Professional, confident, and comfortable building relationships with varied stakeholders
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently while receiving coaching
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; CRM experience preferred
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary, plus uncapped commission.
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
- 401(k) with company participation
- Company vehicle and gas card
- Comprehensive onboarding, product education, and sales training
- Ongoing coaching, professional development, and career growth
Final compensation will depend on experience, territory scope, market knowledge, and demonstrated capabilities.
Work Environment & Travel
This role requires frequent travel within the assigned California territory and occasional regional travel as needed. Candidates must be comfortable with regular in-person client engagement and field-based work.