Business Development Specialist

Position Summary

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for driving revenue growth by identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities. This role focuses heavily on sales strategy, pipeline development, relationship building, and expanding RJY Group's footprint across target markets. The Specialist proactively generates leads, cultivates client relationships, and converts opportunities into awarded contracts while supporting long-term business growth initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Sales & Pipeline Development

* Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities in government and commercial markets.

* Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline through prospecting, networking, cold outreach, industry events, and market intelligence tools.

* Develop and execute strategies to convert prospects into active clients.

* Track and manage leads, opportunities, and sales activities within CRM systems.

* Meet or exceed established revenue, pipeline, and growth targets.

* Conduct capability briefings and sales presentations to prospect clients and partners.

* Develop relationships with key decision-makers, contracting officers, and industry stakeholders.

New Business Acquisition

* Monitor pre-solicitation notices, sources sought, RFIs, and RFPs to identify early positioning opportunities. Conduct strategic outreach to agencies, primes, and commercial clients to generate direct contract opportunities.

* Initiate and nurture relationships with potential prime contractors for subcontracting opportunities.

* Collaborate with leadership to determine bid/no-bid decisions.

* Support negotiations and contract award processes.

Market Research & Strategy

* Conduct in-depth market research using government databases and third-party platforms to identify trends and growth sectors.

* Analyze competitor positioning and recommend strategic approaches to increase win probability.

* Identify new industries, service lines, or geographic areas for expansion.

* Assist leadership in developing short and long-term growth strategies.

* Contribute to the development and execution of the company's business development plan.

Partnership & Relationship Management

* Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and strategic partners.

* Develop and support teaming agreements, joint ventures, and Mentor-Protege relationships.

* Engage with existing clients to identify follow-on work and upsell opportunities.

* Represent the company at site visits, industry days, conferences, and networking events locally and nationwide.

Proposal & Revenue Support

* Collaborate with Operations and Leadership to review solicitations and align proposals with company capabilities.

* Support pricing strategy and conduct preliminary pricing analysis.

* Assist in the preparation of proposals to ensure competitive positioning.

* Prepare estimates and sales orders in NetSuite for awarded contracts.

* Maintain records of wins, losses, and lessons learned to improve future performance.

Additional Responsibilities

* Provide recommendations to improve internal business development and sales processes.

* Maintain accurate documentation of meetings, outreach efforts, and opportunity status.

* Participate in ongoing professional development.

* Perform additional duties as assigned to support company growth initiatives.

Qualifications

* Bachelor's Degree required (Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred).

* 3+ years of experience in business development, sales, or government contracting preferred.

* Demonstrated success in generating leads and closing new business.

* Strong understanding of federal, state, or commercial procurement processes preferred.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and CRM systems.

* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

* Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.

* Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally.

* Ability to pass a background check.

* Ability to lift 25+ lbs. as needed.