Business Development Specialist

Exciting new opportunity available in January of 2025!

We are seeking a motivated Business Development Specialist, based on-site at our Chicago facility, at 4849 South Austin Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, to join the Rockfon Sales team.  Reporting to the Sales Enablement Manager, this individual contributor role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by driving growth, fostering relationships, and supporting sales initiatives across North America.

Salary: $59,000 - $64,000 per year

Ready to help build a better future for generations to come?

In an ever-changing, fast paced world, we owe it to ourselves and our future generations to live life responsibly.  At ROCKWOOL, we work relentlessly to enrich modern living through our innovative stone wool solutions.

Join us and make a difference!

What You Will Be Doing

As a Business Development Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, qualifying, and nurturing potential customers, while supporting the sales team in driving growth and market share. Your responsibilities include:

• Lead Assessment & Qualification: Evaluate and qualify inbound leads from various channels (e.g., website, social media, email) to determine readiness for the sales process.
• Account Development: Develop and execute strategic plans to acquire new clients and expand market presence in the designated territory.
• Lead Nurturing: Build and maintain relationships with potential clients who are not yet sales-ready through valuable content and follow-ups.
• Project Discovery: Use project databases to uncover new opportunities and initiate contact with prospective customers.
• Data Analytics: Provide sales managers with data-driven insights and reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Market Analysis: Monitor trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to inform sales strategies and product development.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with sales, marketing, and technical support teams to enhance customer engagement efforts.

What You Bring

• Experience: 1-3 years in a sales, marketing, or customer service role. Experience in lead qualification, lead generation, or the manufacturing/construction sector is a strong plus.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly and adapt communication style to different audiences.
• Sales & Customer Insight: Strong understanding of the sales process and ability to identify customer needs and pain points.
• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency with CRM software (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365) and basic knowledge of marketing automation tools.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret lead data and make data-driven decisions to improve lead qualification processes.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple leads and follow-up activities effectively.

Preferred:

• Experience in a high-volume lead or customer service environment.
• Familiarity with building products, construction industry applications, and lead scoring models.

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay & Benefits from Day 1:  Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401K Match: Up to 6%
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, and parental leave.
• Educational Assistance & Career Growth: Invest in your future.
• Wellness Perks: Fitness reimbursement and EAP access.
• Safety First: Company-provided PPE and programs to keep you protected.

Who We Are

Founded in 1937 in Denmark, ROCKWOOL Group transforms volcanic rock into sustainable and innovative products that enhance lives and communities. With a global team of over 12,000 employees and 51 manufacturing facilities across 40+ countries, we are united by a shared mission: unlocking the natural power of stone to enrich modern living.

This role is part of our Rockfon business, a division of the ROCKWOOL Group. Rockfon delivers comprehensive ceiling system solutions, integrating stone wool and specialty metal ceiling panels with Chicago Metallic suspension systems, providing high-quality, sustainable offerings to our customers.  To learn more, visit www.rockfon.com.

Work Environment & Conditions:

Our offices are designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, and meaningful social interactions., empowering employees to achieve balance and bring their best selves to work.  ROCKWOOL is deeply committed to giving back to our communities. Through global philanthropic initiatives, community involvement, and sustainability efforts, we strive to create a positive impact in the communities we serve. 

Our Culture and Commitment:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  With employees representing 79 nationalities, we champion diversity, provide equal opportunities, and actively combat all forms of discrimination.  At ROCKWOOL, you'll find a welcoming team environment built on what we proudly call “The ROCKWOOL Way”.  This cultural foundation reflects our core values:  ambition, responsibility, integrity and efficiency.

ROCKWOOL is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We assess all qualified candidates based solely on their skills and qualifications, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.