About JR Merit
JR Merit, Inc. was founded in 1997 on the belief that “merit”—the quality of being good and worthy—was something worth working for. Today, we are recognized as one of the highest-value industrial and mechanical construction contractors in the marketplace for complex infrastructure and critical plant processes. We take pride in being a union shop with a passion for surpassing client expectations.
We're growing! JR Merit offers an exciting opportunity to develop and expand your career by supporting projects in highly unique and technical industries. If you want to have a voice, influence our continued growth, and work collaboratively as a team to find innovative solutions to our clients’ construction challenges, we want to get to know you.
Overview:
The Business Development Manager will identify, evaluate, and secure new business opportunities to support the company’s strategic objectives. This entails conducting market research, establishing and nurturing relationships with both prospective and existing clients, and collaborating with internal teams—including project management, estimating, finance, and operations—to ensure smooth project initiation and execution. You will lead sales efforts and maintain primary account responsibility, effectively communicating the company’s value at all levels of client organizations. A solid understanding of construction processes, coupled with strong strategic planning and negotiation skills, is essential to achieve revenue targets. Your responsibilities also include staying attuned to evolving market conditions across a diverse client base.
The Business Development Manager has regular contact with all levels of internal and field staff, the Operations and Executive Leadership Teams, customers, suppliers, subcontractors, architects, government agencies, and third-party partners. This role does not currently have any direct reports. This position reports to the President and is considered part of the Operations team. This role is based out of our corporate office and requires in-office presence.
Essential Functions:
Market Analysis and Strategy
- Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends, potential client segments, and competitive landscape.
- Track, analyze, and report on market and customer maintenance and capital spend planning.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and refine the company’s growth strategy.
- Evaluate and prioritize business opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and resource availability.
Client Acquisition and Relationship Management
- Identify and build rapport with prospective clients and maintain ongoing relationships to secure business.
- Schedule and conduct presentations, client meetings, and site visits to communicate the company’s capabilities, scope of services, and value proposition.
- Oversee the proposal and bid process in coordination with estimating and finance teams, ensuring competitive and accurate pricing.
Networking and Branding
- Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, networking events, and conferences to increase brand visibility and establish partnerships.
- Stay informed about local, regional, and national regulations, licensing requirements, and market fluctuations that impact project feasibility and client decision-making.
Collaboration and Project Coordination
- Work in tandem with project teams to ensure new projects are executed effectively and to client expectations.
- Provide guidance during project handover, clarifying contractual obligations, timelines, budgets, and resources.
- Monitor project progress in collaboration with internal teams to address potential issues that may affect client satisfaction or profitability.
Financial and Performance Management
- Develop annual business development budgets and forecasts to support departmental and organizational objectives.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators such as pipeline status, win/loss rate, revenue targets, and profitability margins.
- Prepare regular progress reports for senior leadership, highlighting successes, challenges, and recommended adjustments.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Equivalent technical experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, sales, or a related role, preferably within the construction or engineering sector.
- Familiarity with construction methodologies, project management processes, and industry best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively negotiate, present, and influence at all levels.
- Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret market data, forecast demand, and propose strategic solutions.
- Proficiency with CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and project management tools. Experience with estimating or design software is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional relationships in diverse settings and across different stakeholder groups.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to see the “big picture” and incorporate long-term objectives into day-to-day operations.
- Skilled at securing favorable contract terms and resolving disputes in a constructive manner.
- Comfortable working across multiple departments, fostering a cohesive approach to project bidding and execution.
- Flexible and resourceful when facing shifting market dynamics, new regulations, or evolving client demands.
Working Conditions:
- This position is based out of our corporate office in Vancouver, WA and requires in-office presence.
- Travel is required, primarily to client sites, industry events, and regional offices.
- Work is generally performed while standing or sitting, in an office environment, with a computer and telephone.
- At times, work may be performed at a jobsite where additional training, certification(s), and clearances may be needed to comply with jobsite requirements.
Compensation Range:
$145,000 - $160,000 plus performance-based bonus structure
Benefits We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Performance-based bonus
- Medical/dental/vision insurance for employees + dependents
- Tiered paid time off (PTO) plan and paid holidays
- 401(k) & Match
- Career Development Map/Growth Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program
- Long Term Disability Coverage
Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer:
JR Merit, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. We are a background screening, drug-free workplace.
JR Merit, Inc provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to recruiting@jrmerit.com
Work Authorization:
JR Merit, Inc. is a federal contractor which participates in E-Verify. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
Notice to Staffing Agencies and Recruiters: JR Merit does not accept unsolicited resumes, profiles, or applications. Agencies and third-party recruiters are asked not to contact JR Merit employees to present candidates unless a prior signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited resumes submitted will be considered property of JR Merit.