Senior Business Development Specialist

Manufacturing Business Development Specialist II

Rio Grande seeks a Manufacturing Business Development Specialist to identify, cultivate, and convert new business opportunities within the Manufacturing Jeweler persona. This role focuses on targeted outreach, strategic prospecting, customer visits, and a strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment. The specialist playsa central rolein expanding our customer base and will partner closely with internal teams to ensure a coordinated and seamless approach to new business development.

Primary

Qualifications:

• Three or more years of sales experience with a focus on business development or customer acquisition

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred, or equivalent experience

• Strong understanding of jewelry manufacturing processes and capital equipment is highly preferred

• Experience discussing equipment evaluations, workflow needs, or process improvements with customers is highly preferred

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Self-motivated and comfortable working toward clear monthly and annual goals

• Ability to manage time and pipeline efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Primary Responsibilities:

• Actively source and identify manufacturing jewelers who align with Rio Grande’s customer profile
• Meet required monthly and annual customer acquisition targets
• Conduct strategic outreach through calls, emails, social engagement, and in-person visits
• Travel occasionally for customer visits, equipment discussions, and on-site evaluations
• Provide prospects with a clear understanding of Rio Grande’s equipment, tools, processes, and service capabilities
• Guide potential customers on equipment selection and operational needs based on their production goals
• Build strong relationships that lead to new customer onboarding and early-stage growth
• Attend industry trade shows and events as a representative of Rio Grande
• Track activity and pipeline progress in Hub Spot, ensuring accurate notes and follow-up
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including technical support, merchandising, and sales support
• Maintain strong product knowledge across the Rio Grande portfolio, especially capital equipment, tools, technology, and manufacturing processes
• Represent Rio Grande professionally at customer locations, trade shows, and industry gatherings

Compensation

This position offersa basepay plus a commission structure tied directly to new customer acquisition.

Established in 1944, Rio Grande (a Berkshire-Hathaway Company) is one of New Mexico's most stable, yet fastest growing manufacturer / distributors, with thousands of valued customers around the world. We are a principle-based company with a highly evolved team-based environment. We can show you how a profoundly effective organization lives these values every day. You can find our 15 guiding Principles on our website as well as information about our community support and how we protect the environment.

Within our 180,000 sq. ft., solar-powered facility (thus covered parking for everyone!), Rio Grande maintains sales, marketing, supply chain and administrative offices; a climate-controlled distribution center with more than 30,000 SKUs; and a comprehensive, well-equipped manufacturing operation. Manufactured products include jewelry-making equipment (from basic tools to highly sophisticated induction casting machines) and jewelry components—both die-struck and cast. Capabilities include CAD/CAM, casting, stamp and form, metal finishing, CNC machining, manual milling, tool & die, and electronics/mechanical assembly.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement:
Guided by our core values, Rio Grande is committed to treating all people with dignity and respect. We are an equal-opportunity employer with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. As an advocate for equity and equality, we hire, train and promote qualified people of all backgrounds. We consider employment candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other underrepresented class.

We value our associates and have won the yearly Healthiest Places to Work and Family Friendly Business awards on multiple occasions