Business Development Manager - AV Consultants & Architects - Western

Planar Systems is seeking a dynamic and proactive Business Development (BD) Manager who has AV/IT industry experience and strong connections with Consultants and Architects. The BD Manager will showcase Planar’s cutting‑edge visual display technology solutions to the design community and increase the company’s market share and revenue from projects that involve professional AV consultants and architects.

The BD Manager will report to the General Manager - CAD Group and work closely with senior‑level customers and internal teams to understand the needs and preferences of AV consultants. The BD Manager will also develop and implement a strategic plan to generate more sales from projects designed by AV consultants, aligning with Planar’s overall vision and goals. The BD Manager will also identify new growth opportunities related to Planar’s product portfolio.

• Establish and maintain relationships with the AV consultants and Architect community; develop partnerships and executive relationships to exchange business ideas and sales opportunities.
• Identify, qualify and quantify the business opportunities through industry consultants and architects.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Research & Development, Marketing and Sales teams to ensure superior service delivery and direct enablement plans with a focus on customer satisfaction, new business growth and overall profitability.

• Foster a culture of high performance, accountability and adaptability.
• Emphasize continuous improvement and innovation.
• Review the new business initiatives, programs and overall operations regularly and ensure performance standards.
• Communicate effectively with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the company externally with customers and participate in industry associations, trade groups and vendor‑organized events to increase Planar’s visibility in the marketplace.
• Keep up with current trends related to Planar’s products and services and anticipate future trends that may affect the company.
• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction with selling, fulfillment, and ongoing relationship management with the largest AV consulting firms.

• Preferred bachelor’s degree required with 15 + years of AV selling experience, with direct relationships in the AV consultants and architecture community.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering content and technology solutions within AV consultant community.
• Extensive experience in all aspects of Customer Relationship Management
• Strong understanding of Consultant /Architect community, market dynamics and requirements
• Able to operate in a fast‑paced and changing market environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven leadership ability with significant experience with contracts, business analysis, product roadmaps and strategies to reach and influence those in the professional AV consultant community.
• Positive, proactive, solutions‑oriented leader with strong communication and EQ skills.
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate vehicle insurance required.
• Strong knowledge of Audio Visual and IT industry
• Excellent business development and technical sales skills
• Excellent follow up skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑based organization
• Good computer skills and ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Ability to multitask and manage priorities
• Self‑managed - able to operate independently.
• Willingness for 50% or more travel

• 75% employer‑paid medical for employee. Family coverage also included.
• 100% employer paid dental, and vision for employee and dependents
• 100% employer paid long‑term, short‑term disability, and life insurance policy
• 401k Match, if you’re contributing 5% we match 4%. 100% vested immediately.
• 10 paid holidays
• Starting at 15 days paid PTO (inclusive of sick and vacation time) annually
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)