Business Development Associate

**About Us**

At Bernhard, we blend a rich history with a forward-looking vision. With over 100 years of experience, we are a pillar of stability in the energy infrastructure industry and a leader in innovative energy solutions. Our commitment to leveraging emerging technologies ensures that we remain at the forefront of the Energy-as-a-Service sector.

We believe in growth-not just for our business, but for our people. Our team members have the opportunity to advance their careers in a supportive environment that values continuous learning and development. We embrace innovation and encourage creative problem solving to tackle the energy infrastructure and energy challenges of tomorrow.

Inclusion is at the heart of our culture. We strive to create a workplace where every voice is heard and valued, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives drive our success.

Join us to be part of a legacy of excellence and a future of groundbreaking advancements. At Bernhard, stability, innovation, and growth are more than just values-they are the pillars of our continued success.

**Overview**

The Business Development Associate is responsible for building sales by contacting and building relationships with new and existing clients, developing prospective clients, arranging/attending introductory meetings, preparing proposals/presentations. These duties may be performed independently or as assistance to Bernhard salespersons or account managers.

**Responsibilities**

+ Builds and maintains strategic relationships with existing and new clients.

+ Researches and gathers information on clients, potential clients, project opportunities, utility programs, and targeted markets to obtain leads. Identifies key potential client decision makers.

+ Researches financial, industry, and competitor trends.

+ Understands a customer's needs and goals, plans how to meet these needs. Develops and implements strategic plans to meet the client's goals, ensuring the customer is aware of all service offerings.

+ Develops and maintains relationships with Bernhard's delivery team to ensure successful project delivery.

+ Handoff projects to Project Managers upon award. Participates in client kickoff meetings.

+ Executes or assists with all aspects of fee proposals, qualification packages, and RFP/RFQ responses. Participates in interviews and related sales activities.

+ Gathers needed information from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to support writing activities. Translates technical subject matter into easily understandable content.

+ Reads and dissects RFPs, RFQs, amendments/modifications, and other solicitation documents to develop response outlines according to requirements to ensure proposal compliance.

+ Ensures optimal organization, presentation, and articulation of solution or qualifications in the proposal or qual pack and oversees incorporation of key messaging that clarifies the strengths of Bernhard's offer, including any differentiators.

+ Reviews proposal content for clarity, consistency, and responsiveness to RFP/RFQ requirements.

+ Performs proofreading and editing to ensure clarity, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

+ Tracks and maintains business development activities client contact database in Cosential/Unanet CRM. This includes client contact database, sales activities (calls/emails/meetings/other), lead tracking, opportunity tracking, sales forecasts, and proposal status tracking.

+ Participates in lunch or after-hours networking opportunities at local/regional/national industry organization events such as ASHE, ASHRAE, AEE, IFMA, BOMA.

+ Works closely with Sales team, Account Managers, and VP of Business Development.

+ Follows established sales processes and takes direction from senior leadership.

**Qualifications**

**Required Education, Experience, and Qualifications:**

+ Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, Finance or related field.

+ 3+ years' experience in the architectural, engineering, construction, or real estate industry

+ 3+ years' of demonstrated business development or client relationship experience

+ Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail

**Preferred Education, Experience, and Qualifications**

+ Industry background. Ability to read/interpret RFPs with respect to alignment with Bernhard's core skills and service offerings.

+ Previous relationships and HVAC/facilities industry contacts that directly translate to sales leads are a plus.

+ Controls Background. A basic understanding of building automation and control systems and the ability to read/interpret controls diagrams and submittals is a plus.

+ Mechanical background. A basic understanding of building mechanical/HVAC systems and the ability to read/interpret mechanical blueprints is a plus.

Bernhard is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Women, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities, and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.

Submit a Referral (https://careers-bernhard.icims.com/jobs/1855/business-development-associate/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834357758)

**Job Locations** _US_

**ID** _2024-1855_

**Category** _Marketing/Bus Development_

**Position Type** _Full-Time_

**Remote** _Yes_