Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Colortone is a family-oriented company that values respect, high ethics, and has a strong belief in a work-life balance. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, we enable our partners to inform, inspire, and engage. Our passion is to create memorable experiences while building enduring relationships founded upon consistency, trust, and mutual success.
We are seeking a Business Development Manager to join our team. The BDM is responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities, cultivating strong client relationships, and successfully closing event contracts to drive company growth. This role requires a proactive, relationship-driven professional who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
Network strategically to attract, qualify, and engage prospective clients and key decision-makers
Proactively identify, pursue, and convert prospects while fostering long-term partnerships
Attend industry trade shows, association meetings, community events, and professional development opportunities; represent the company at selected events
Prepare and present tailored proposals that clearly address client needs and align with company capabilities
Leverage technologies and tools to discover and pursue new business opportunities
Collaborate with the Marketing Coordinator to capitalize on cohesive and compelling messaging
Manage and respond promptly to inbound phone, email, and website inquiries
Conduct client discovery to understand the full scope of event requirements; coordinate with the Event Producer to ensure successful execution
Manage and monitor client budgets throughout the planning process, ensuring financial alignment
Collect post-event feedback and collaborate with the production, sales, and accounting teams to ensure timely invoicing and payments
Maintain regular communication with existing and prospective clients through a consistent outreach strategy
Qualifications
Proven experience in business development and outside sales
Demonstrated ability to manage sales pipelines and effectively utilize CRM systems (Apollo experience preferred), with a strong understanding of business development tools
Motivated by performance-based goals and incentives
Willingness and ability to travel for industry networking events and client meetings
Strong initiative, organizational and task management skills, and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strength in negotiation and presentation
Collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
Enthusiastic about streamlining processes and driving measurable results
Experience in event and/or hospitality industry is a plus
Office Hours:
Expected office hours are generally between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Occasional early mornings, late evenings, and weekends may be required to attend networking events, conferences, and client functions.
Location:
This role is based in Solon, OH. The Business Development Manager is expected to work onsite the majority of the time, with occasional flexibility to work from home as needed.
Some travel will be required to attend trade shows, hosted-buyer events, networking opportunities, and industry conferences.
Evening and weekend availability may occasionally be necessary to support these activities and to attend client events aimed at fostering and strengthening relationships.
Benefits and Compensation:
This is a results-driven role with commission structure that rewards high performance.
Base Salary - Sliding Scale (Year 1 of Employment)
$60,000 annually (Months 0-6)
$55,000 annually (Months 6-12)
$50,000 annually (After 12 months)
Commission*
5% on gross sales up to $250,000 annually
10% on gross sales exceeding $250,000 annually
This compensation model is designed to support a strong start while encouraging long-term growth through commission opportunities. High-performing individuals may significantly exceed the base salary through sales success.
Opportunities for professional growth and development
A collaborative and innovative work environment
Generous PTO policy
Employer-paid premiums for base medical plan and HSA contribution
Comprehensive employee-paid benefit plans including:
Optional buy-up medical plan
Dental & vision insurance
Life insurance, disability, and accident coverage
Many additional offerings, from pet insurance to legal support plans
401K plan with employer match
*Commission Structure Details
For all new business you generate, you will earn:
5% commission on the first $250,000 in annual gross sales
10% commission on any annual gross sales exceeding $250,000
Commissions Guidelines:
Commissions are based on the gross invoice amount and are paid upon receipt of full payment.
No commission is paid on orders with a discount greater than 20%, except for new multi-year contracts, which have a 25% threshold.
B2B rentals and retail sales are excluded from commission.
No commission is awarded if gross profit falls below 30%. Gross profit is defined as total revenue minus the costs of labor, trucking, subrentals, and overhead.
Definition of New Business: New business is defined as customers and/or divisions of customers not currently working with Colortone, or previous customers who have been dormant for 24 months or more.
Example: If Colortone is currently servicing the XYZ Co. Business Products division and you develop business with XYZ’s Foodservice division, that is considered new business.
House Account Transition: New business accounts become house accounts 24 months after the date of the first invoice. Once an account transitions to a house account, it becomes commissionable at a flat rate of 4%.
Example: You sell ABC Company their first job in January 2025, and the first invoice is issued on February 1, 2025.
All business invoiced on or before February 1, 2027, is considered new business and is commissionable at 5% or 10%, based on total sales volume.
Beginning February 2, 2027, any new invoices to ABC Company are commissionable at the house account rate of 4%.
No commission is paid on existing house accounts.
Visit www.colortone.com/careers to apply