Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Senior Design/Build Business Development Manager
Landscape Design-Build | Residential & Commercial
Location: Cleveland, OH
Work Model: 70% Field-Based (client meetings, site visits, relationship building) | 30% Office/Remote
Reports To: Vice President of Sales
Annual Revenue Target: $2.5MM
Position Overview
The Senior Design/Build Business Development Manager is responsible for driving new revenue through the sale of high-quality landscape design-build services across residential and commercial markets. This role owns the entire front end of the sales process—from lead qualification and site evaluation through proposal development and contract execution—while partnering closely with internal design and operations teams to ensure smooth project delivery.
The position balances inbound residential lead follow-up with proactive business development, establishing long-term relationships with General Contractors, Developers, Architects, and Property Stakeholders. In many cases, the design may already be completed, and this role will focus on pricing, value engineering, and executing the installation/build-out.
Projects include hardscape, softscape, grading, drainage, lighting, and irrigation, ranging from $20,000 residential projects to $500,000+ commercial installations.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Business Development & Sales Execution
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Respond promptly to inbound residential leads and conduct qualification calls to assess scope, budget, timeline, and fit.
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Proactively develop relationships with General Contractors, Developers, Architects, and Engineers to generate repeat commercial design-build opportunities.
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Maintain an active pipeline of residential and commercial prospects aligned with annual revenue goals.
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Meet or exceed an annual $2.5MM sales quota through disciplined prospecting, follow-up, and closing activity.
Client Discovery & Site Analysis
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Conduct on-site meetings to assess site conditions, grading, drainage, utilities, access, and constructability.
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Collaborate with clients to understand functional needs, design intent, budget constraints, and long-term goals.
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Identify opportunities for value engineering, phasing, and scope optimization.
Design Collaboration & Estimating
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Work closely with in-house designers to translate client needs into buildable, profitable solutions.
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Review design plans (when provided by outside firms) and prepare accurate estimates for construction and installation.
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Develop pricing for hardscape, softscape, irrigation, lighting, drainage, and grading scopes.
Proposal Presentation & Contract Closing
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Prepare and present professional proposals, schedules, and scope documents.
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Confidently handle objections, revise scope as needed, and guide clients toward signed agreements.
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Clearly define scope, allowances, exclusions, and expectations prior to handoff.
Project Handoff & Relationship Management
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Ensure a seamless transition to operations by providing detailed scopes, material lists, timelines, and client priorities.
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Remain involved throughout construction to manage change orders and maintain strong client relationships.
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Serve as the client's advocate while ensuring project profitability and execution alignment.
CRM & Pipeline Management
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Track all leads, opportunities, proposals, and follow-ups in CRM software (Aspire or similar).
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Maintain accurate forecasts and activity reporting.
Qualifications & Experience
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5+ years of successful sales experience in landscape design-build, construction, or related industries.
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Strong understanding of landscape construction methods, materials, and sequencing.
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Experience selling both residential and commercial projects preferred.
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Comfortable managing multiple projects and long sales cycles simultaneously.
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Valid driver's license; flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends.
Key Competencies
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Consultative Sales: Ability to uncover needs and guide clients toward solutions.
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Technical Acumen: Knowledge of horticulture, grading, drainage, hardscape, irrigation, and lighting.
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Relationship Building: Trusted partner to homeowners, GCs, developers, and design professionals.
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Organization & Follow-Through: Strong CRM discipline and project tracking.
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Communication: Ability to clearly explain technical and financial details to diverse stakeholders.
Compensation & Benefits
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Base Salary: ~$100,000 (plus or minus based on experience)
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Commission Structure: Uncapped, tied to closed revenue and performance
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Annual Sales Target: $2.5MM
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Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
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Vehicle or Car Allowance
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PTO & Paid Holidays
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401(k) with Company Match
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Company-provided Cell Phone & Laptop
If you have the experience for this position, we are interested in hearing from you. Please respond to this job posting by sending us a copy of your resume and we will review and get back to you.
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