Business Development Manager

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about creating a Kirei Life – a beautiful life that respects the needs of consumers, customers, and the planet. Kao’s commercial laundry division, Washing Systems (WSI), is a leading provider of innovative products and services for the commercial laundry processing industry across North America and Europe.

The Business Development Manager (BDM) will identify, develop, and close new business opportunities within the commercial laundry market. The BDM will promote integrated solutions – including laundry chemicals, equipment, service programs, and process improvements – to industrial, hospitality, healthcare, food & beverage, and institutional laundry operations. Reporting to the Western Group V.P., the BDM will work closely with technical, service, and operations teams to deliver solutions that improve customer efficiency, quality, safety and total cost of ownership.

• Identify and pursue new customer opportunities within assigned territory or market segment.
• Develop and execute a strategic sales plan to achieve revenue, margin and growth targets.
• Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline using CRM tools.
• Prospect through cold‑calling, networking, referrals, trade shows and industry events.

• Assess customer laundry operations, including equipment, formulas, water usage, energy consumption, labor and workflow.
• Present tailored solutions involving chemicals, equipment, automation and service support.
• Quantify value propositions such as cost savings, productivity improvements, quality enhancements and sustainability benefits.
• Prepare and deliver proposals, pricing and contracts aligned with company guidelines.

• Establish strong relationships with decision‑makers including owners, plant managers, operations leaders and procurement teams.
• Collaborate with internal service, technical and operations teams to ensure smooth onboarding and long‑term customer success.
• Maintain knowledge of competitor offerings, market trends and customer needs.

• Stay current on commercial laundry industry trends, regulations and best practices.
• Represent the company at industry associations, conferences and customer events.
• Provide feedback to leadership on market opportunities and product/service enhancements.

• 5+ years of sales or business development experience, preferably in:
  • Commercial laundry
  • Industrial services
  • Chemicals, equipment or facility services
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Experience with consultative, solution‑based selling.
• Strong financial and operational acumen (ROI, cost analysis, value selling).
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to travel within assigned territory (typically 50–70%).

• Direct experience in commercial or industrial laundry operations.
• Knowledge of laundry chemicals, dosing systems, washers, dryers, tunnels or finishing equipment.
• Experience selling into healthcare, hospitality, food processing or industrial laundries.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering or a related field.

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and talk or hear.
• Ability to walk customer facilities, stand for extended periods, climb stairs and occasionally lift or carry materials such as product samples, testing equipment or marketing materials (generally up to 25–30 pounds).

• Regular visits to commercial and industrial laundry plants, which may include exposure to noise, heat, humidity, moving machinery, wet floors and chemical handling areas. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required while on‑site.
• This position is primarily field‑focused, requiring frequent travel within the assigned territory, including day trips and occasional overnight travel.