Business Development Associate

Overview The Business Development Associate is responsible for strengthening customer relationships, supporting field operations, and driving growth within assigned markets. This role serves as the primary liaison between our customers and internal teams, ensuring that construction, purchasing, and warranty partners receive exceptional service, timely communication, and consistent follow-through. Key Responsibilities Lead Management and Customer Relations Develop an understanding of the market and the major players within our customer base. Use tools such as Zonda and business journals to increase market knowledge and awareness. Attend IES training sessions and ride along with KEP personnel to gain knowledge of all three trades and KEP operations. Attend industry trade events for networking and market awareness. Maintain strong long-term relationships with construction, purchasing, and warranty teams to ensure our work meets scheduling and quality guidelines. Allocate time approximately as follows: 45% with construction teams, 45% with purchasing teams, 10% with warranty teams. Attend construction and purchasing meetings to ensure we are delivering the quality expected from KEP. Build and maintain a schedule to periodically meet with customers across assigned cities through both scheduled visits and drop-ins. Utilize approved sales assets to provide occasional meals, donuts, or other small appreciation items for customers. Organize quarterly luncheons with construction and purchasing teams to gather feedback and strengthen relationships. Maintain a schedule of four days in the field and one day in the office for internal and external collaboration. Customer Experience & Retention Ensure end-to-end customer satisfaction. Track and report insights gathered from customer discussions to the KEP team. Follow up on the resolution of any issues to ensure proper closure. Track customer satisfaction metrics and assist in implementing improvement plans when necessary. Collaboration with Internal Teams Attend weekly meetings to review findings from the previous week and outline the upcoming schedule. Share feedback and insights from customer meetings with the KEP team. Escalate urgent matters to the appropriate internal team members. Provide weekly feedback on pricing discussions uncovered during customer meetings or calls. Collaborate with internal teams and market managers to ensure operations are moving in the right direction. Reporting & Documentation Use CRM systems to maintain accurate and up-to-date records. Document customer interactions and required follow-up actions. Add and update project information as it becomes available. Maintain accurate monthly expense reporting and documentation. Qualifications Minimum Education: None Minimum Years of Experience: 2‑4 Specific Qualifications: Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with field personnel, customers, and internal teams; highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working independently in a field-based role; ability to problem-solve, ask thoughtful questions, and follow through on customer needs; prior experience in construction, business development, customer service, or a related field is preferred but not required; willingness to travel within assigned markets. Job Details License Required: Yes Work Environment This role is primarily field-based, with regular visits to construction sites, customer offices, and industry events. Work will take place in a combination of construction environments, office settings, and occasional outdoor conditions. The position typically follows a schedule of four days in the field and one day in the office. Occasional early morning or evening meetings may occur depending on customer schedules or industry events. Physical Requirements Ability to walk construction sites and navigate uneven terrain; ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time during site visits or meetings; ability to drive frequently between customer locations within assigned markets; ability to occasionally lift or carry items up to approximately 25 pounds (marketing materials, refreshments, etc.); ability to use a computer, mobile phone, and CRM tools for reporting and communication. Benefits Competitive Pay 401(k) plan with Employer Contribution Match Paid Time Off Paid Life Insurance Choice of Medical Coverage including Prescription and Short-Term Disability Plans Choice of Dental and Vision Coverage Optional Long-term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Legal and Pet Coverage Auto and Home Insurance Discount Programs EEO Statement IES is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Females, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, Individuals with Disabilities, Protected Veterans Encouraged to Apply. The IES policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, protected veterans, or any other protected status or characteristic. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment, and also states that retaliation against any employee who files a complaint regarding possible violations of this policy will not be tolerated. IES is also committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment of minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. IES provides reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants who need accommodation in the job application process should contact the IES corporate office at (713) 860‑1500 or any IES office to request assistance. IES participates in E‑Verify. #J-18808-Ljbffr