Business Development Manager

Location: Baraboo, WI |
Schedule: Full-time, with remote work when not traveling |
Compensation: 2% to 3% commission on all sales, depending on margin, for 24 months (expect $20K to $40K the first year and significantly more after that)

An established contract manufacturer of electro-mechanical assemblies, with a dedicated business unit focused on water treatment systems, is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive growth in that segment. This role owns the full sales cycle—from lead generation to closed business—across OEM, distributor, dealer, and private-label channels, blending water treatment technical expertise with disciplined CRM-driven sales management. The position reports to the General Manager.

• Own the full sales lifecycle, including lead generation, sample testing, quotations, and commercial proposals, while building new OEM, distributor, dealer, plumbing, and private-label accounts.
• Maintain an active, qualified Salesforce CRM pipeline with accurate stages, values, and close dates to support growth objectives.
• Serve as the technical expert for water softeners, filtration, reverse osmosis, control valves, tanks, and media, helping customers with product selection, application testing, and troubleshooting.
• Manage key customer relationships through regular reviews, identifying expansion opportunities and translating customer needs into internal technical requirements, including for new products being introduced to the market.
• Coordinate customer requirements, forecasts, and supply/timing risks with Engineering, Product Management, Operations, Purchasing, Quality, and Customer Service.
• Participate in account reviews with the General Manager to highlight key priorities and risks.
• Travel 30% 50% for customer visits, supplier meetings, and trade shows.
• Utilize AI productivity tools for research, planning, and market trend tracking.

• 5+ years of professional experience selling residential/light commercial water treatment equipment, with technical knowledge of water chemistry, applications, and equipment sizing.
• Proven track record in full-cycle sales and customer relationship management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Proficiency in Salesforce CRM and AI productivity tools.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% to visit customers and attend trade shows.

• Hands-on expertise with softeners, filtration, RO, control valves, tanks, and media.
• Existing relationships and experience selling to OEMs, distributors, dealers, or private-label customers.
• WQA education, certification, or industry involvement.

• 2% to 3% commission on all sales, depending on margin, for 24 months (expect $20K to $40K the first year and significantly more after that).
• Health and Dental Insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401K with company match.
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
• Ability to work from home when not traveling.

This is an opportunity to lead technical sales growth for a specialized water treatment business within an established manufacturer, with direct visibility to the General Manager and uncapped commission potential tied to new business development.