Senior Business Development Specialist

Manufacturing Business Development Specialist II

Rio Grande seeks a Manufacturing Business Development Specialist to identify, cultivate, and convert new business opportunities within the Manufacturing Jeweler persona. This role focuses on targeted outreach, strategic prospecting, customer visits, and a strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment. The specialist plays a central role in expanding our customer base and will partner closely with internal teams to ensure a coordinated and seamless approach to new business development.

Primary

Qualifications:

• Three or more years of sales experience with a focus on business development or customer acquisition
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred, or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment is highly preferred
• Experience discussing equipment evaluations, workflow needs, or process improvements with customers is highly preferred
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Self‑motivated and comfortable working toward clear monthly and annual goals
• Ability to manage time and pipeline efficiently in a fast‑paced environment

Primary Responsibilities:

• Actively source and identify manufacturing jewelers who align with Rio Grande’s customer profile
• Meet required monthly and annual customer acquisition targets
• Conduct strategic outreach through calls, emails, social engagement, and in‑person visits
• Travel occasionally for customer visits, equipment discussions, and on‑site evaluations
• Provide prospects with a clear understanding of Rio Grande’s equipment, tools, processes, and service capabilities
• Guide potential customers on equipment selection and operational needs based on their production goals
• Build strong relationships that lead to new customer onboarding and early‑stage growth
• Attend industry trade shows and events as a representative of Rio Grande
• Track activity and pipeline progress in Hub Spot, ensuring accurate notes and follow‑up
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including technical support, merchandising, and sales support
• Maintain strong product knowledge across the Rio Grande portfolio, especially capital equipment, tools, technology, and manufacturing processes
• Represent Rio Grande professionally at customer locations, trade shows, and industry gatherings

Compensation

This position offers a base pay plus a commission structure tied directly to new customer acquisition.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement:

Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal‑opportunity employer with a zero‑tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other underrepresented class.