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Business Development Manager - MidWest

Talent Acquisition Team, Indianapolis, Indiana, us, 46262

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THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CELEBRATING STUDENT MILESTONES – HERFF JONES Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones' products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, frames, announcements, and Greek accessories as well as motivation and recognition programs. Since 1920, our team has worked alongside students, faculty, and staff on campuses nationwide to help build a stronger community and celebrate student milestones. Our continued success relies on hiring extraordinary talent, with a passion for making a difference and eagerness to roll up the sleeves, to help us write the story of our next 100 years.

Business Development Representative (BDR) The Business Development Representative (BDR) is a highly motivated, results-driven professional responsible for driving

new business growth

through proactive prospecting, lead generation, and conversion. In this role, you will identify, engage, and acquire new customers, contributing directly to the company’s overall revenue goals. The BDR plays a critical role in expanding market presence, building relationships with decision-makers, and positioning Herff Jones as the partner of choice in the student recognition market.

Drive New Business Acquisition

Develop and execute a

strategic prospecting plan

targeting high-value schools, districts, and organizations.

Identify and qualify leads through research, outreach, and networking to create a robust

new business pipeline .

Deliver consistent results against

monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals

for new account acquisition.

Collaborate with Sales Partners to transition qualified leads into long-term partnerships.

Maintain a strong understanding of Herff Jones products, services, and competitive differentiators to communicate value effectively.

Use CRM tools (Salesforce) to track leads, manage opportunities, and ensure accurate forecasting.

Build and nurture relationships with key decision-makers through email campaigns, phone outreach, social media engagement, and event participation.

Execute targeted campaigns and follow-up strategies to convert marketing-generated leads into active opportunities.

Partner with internal marketing and product teams to provide feedback on lead quality, market trends, and customer needs.

Conduct discovery meetings to understand customer goals, challenges, and decision-making processes.

Present tailored solutions that demonstrate the

value and ROI

of partnering with Herff Jones.

Manage the full sales cycle for new customers—from initial contact through contract signing—ensuring a seamless handoff to the Account Management or Sales Partner team.

Territory Planning & Market Insights

Analyze market data and competitor activity to identify emerging opportunities and refine territory strategy.

Leverage data insights to prioritize leads and allocate time effectively for maximum revenue impact.

Provide regular updates and reports on progress toward acquisition goals, market dynamics, and competitive intelligence.

Core Activities

Maintain an active prospecting cadence through calls, emails, and in-person visits to generate qualified leads.

Utilize CRM to track sales activities, pipeline metrics, and opportunity stages with accuracy and timeliness.

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth onboarding of new clients and a high-quality initial customer experience.

Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to expand professional connections and brand awareness.

Contribute to team meetings and growth initiatives by sharing best practices and success stories.

Success Indicators

Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding

new business acquisition targets .

Proven track record in

prospecting, lead qualification, and closing

new accounts.

High level of proficiency using

CRM software (Salesforce preferred)

for pipeline management and forecasting.

Strong presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills with key decision-makers.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.

Willingness to travel as required within the assigned territory.

Education / Certifications Required

Bachelor’s degree in

business, marketing, or a related field

preferred.

Equivalent sales experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

3+ years of experience in sales and business development including new business sales

Background in

education sales, B2B sales, or franchise-style partner management

a plus.

Familiarity with

consultative selling , solution-based sales techniques, and long-cycle deal management.

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.

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