Business Development Representative – Commercial Kitchens

Description

Position Overview

Innovations by VP is seeking a motivated and results-driven Business Development Representative (BDR) to help expand our commercial kitchen design and equipment business. This role is ideal for a relationship-oriented professional with experience in 2020 Design and a strong understanding of commercial kitchen layouts, equipment, and design processes.

The BDR will identify and develop new business opportunities, build relationships with architects, designers, contractors, restaurant owners, hospitality groups, and other commercial foodservice professionals, and help guide prospects from initial contact through project development.

The successful candidate will combine sales ability, commercial kitchen knowledge, and design expertise to understand customer needs and position Innovations by VP as a trusted partner for commercial kitchen projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, prospect, and develop new commercial kitchen business opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with architects, interior designers, contractors, dealers, restaurant owners, hospitality groups, and foodservice operators.
• Generate leads through outbound prospecting, networking, referrals, industry events, and existing relationships.
• Conduct discovery conversations to understand clients' operational, design, budget, and equipment requirements.
• Utilize 2020 Design to develop, modify, and present commercial kitchen layouts and concepts.
• Translate customer requirements into practical and efficient kitchen design solutions.
• Collaborate with internal design, sales, estimating, and project management teams to develop proposals and project solutions.
• Prepare presentations, preliminary layouts, equipment selections, and other sales-support materials.
• Follow up consistently with prospects and existing clients to move opportunities through the sales pipeline.
• Maintain accurate customer and opportunity information in the company's CRM.
• Track project opportunities, sales activities, proposals, and follow-ups.
• Attend trade shows, networking events, client meetings, and industry functions as needed.
• Stay current on commercial kitchen design trends, foodservice equipment, codes, technology, and industry developments.
• Develop long-term client relationships and identify opportunities for repeat and referral business.
• Represent Innovations by VP professionally and serve as a knowledgeable resource throughout the business-development process.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the successful BDR will:

• Build a strong and active commercial kitchen prospect pipeline.
• Establish productive relationships with key industry professionals and decision-makers.
• Generate qualified opportunities for Innovations by VP.
• Effectively use 2020 Design to communicate kitchen concepts and solutions.
• Convert qualified prospects into new commercial kitchen projects.
• Become a trusted resource for customers seeking practical, efficient, and well-designed commercial kitchen solutions.

Compensation & Benefits

Innovations by VP offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, with opportunities for performance-based incentives and professional growth.

Employment Type: Full-Time

Innovations by VP is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Experience in commercial kitchen design, foodservice equipment, architecture/design, or a related industry.
• Hands-on experience with 2020 Design, preferably in a commercial kitchen or foodservice environment.
• Demonstrated business development, sales, account management, or customer-facing experience.
• Ability to read and understand architectural plans, floor plans, and commercial kitchen layouts.
• Strong understanding of commercial kitchen workflow, functionality, and equipment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple prospects and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM systems.
• Self-motivated, professional, and comfortable working independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience selling or specifying commercial foodservice equipment.
• Existing relationships with architects, contractors, restaurant groups, hospitality companies, or foodservice consultants.
• Experience developing kitchen layouts and equipment schedules.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen codes, health department requirements, and ADA considerations.
• Experience taking a project from initial concept through proposal and implementation.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in business, design, architecture, hospitality, foodservice, or a related field.