Business Development Manager - Commercial Construction

JAMES BLINDS

Business Development Manager

Full-time · Based at our main office (Columbus) with regional territory · ~1 week/month out-of-state travel

About James Blinds

 James Blinds is a growing commercial window treatment subcontractor specializing in the furnishing and installation of blinds, roller shades, and motorized solutions for large construction projects across multiple states. As we continue expanding into new markets, we're making a significant investment in business development and looking for someone who wants to help shape how we grow. You'll help deepen relationships with general contractors, developers, architects, and building owners — positioning James Blinds as the preferred subcontractor on the projects that matter most. 

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager grows revenue by building new trade relationships and expanding existing accounts across our core markets. This is a relationship-driven, new-business role: you'll identify projects early in the planning cycle, build trust with the decision-makers most likely to award work, and partner with our estimating team to turn those relationships into won projects. You'll have real autonomy to own and grow a territory, with uncapped earning potential tied to the business you bring in.

What You'll Do

• Develop new relationships with general contractors, developers, property managers, architects, and building owners.
• Open direct-to-owner and institutional channels — multifamily developers, schools, healthcare systems, universities, and government agencies — identifying projects early in the design and planning stages.
• Grow and maintain strategic existing accounts, uncovering repeat and expansion opportunities across multiple territories.
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline, and partner with the Chief Estimator to deliver timely, competitive proposals.
• Represent James Blinds at industry events, trade associations, and showroom events, and host educational presentations such as architect and owner lunch-and-learns.
• Keep accurate pipeline, activity, and forecast data current in the CRM.
• Travel within your region to meet clients and visit job sites (approximately one week per month out of state).

What Success Looks Like — Your First 90 Days

• Days 1–30: learn our products, process, and market; map and tier your territory; and begin building internal and client relationships.
• Days 31–60: ramp up prospecting, re-engage dormant accounts, and build a qualified pipeline, with your first opportunities handed to estimating.
• Days 61–90: take ownership of your territory, keep a steady flow of new qualified opportunities coming, and move your first deals toward award.

We provide a structured onboarding and a supported first-year ramp so you can build your pipeline with confidence while you learn the business.

What We're Looking For

• A proven track record in B2B sales — building relationships from scratch and closing business.
• A self-starter with a high motor who thrives on individual performance and uncapped earning potential.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and comfort with a longer, relationship-driven sales cycle.
• Disciplined pipeline management and proficiency with a CRM.
• Construction, building products, or subcontractor experience is a plus — but not required. We will teach the industry to the right person with the drive and relationship skills to succeed.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel approximately one week per month out of state.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

•  Base salary: $80,000, with a supported first-year ramp as you build your pipeline.
• Uncapped commission tied to profitable business generated across new and existing accounts, plus company performance.
• Target compensation of approximately $115,000–$125,000 during the first-year ramp, with approximately $150,000 OTE at full productivity. Top-performer upside is uncapped. 
•  Benefits include paid time off and company retirement plan. 
• Tools, travel, and customer-engagement budget to support your success in the field.

Work Location & Travel

• Based out of our main office, with the majority of your time spent in the field with clients — locally and out of state.
• A minimum of approximately one week per month of out-of-state travel; some months may require more.
• Consistent, clear communication with your manager on all opportunities.

James Blinds is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.