Business Development Manager

Company Description

Diamond Kinetics (http://www.diamondkinetics.com) is actively commercializing a revolutionary new technology platform to improve player performance in both baseball and softball. Leveraging an exclusive license to issued patents from the University of Michigan and the University of Pittsburgh, Diamond Kinetics is able to provide real time quantitative data, mechanics feedback and training guidance to drive performance improvement. We provide all of this via mobile and web applications in an effort to create a dynamic new community for players and coaches centered around motion data.

Diamond Kinetics is a fast-paced, performance-driven early stage company where responsibility comes fast and consistent success is a requirement. The work is challenging but exciting, especially for those who love sports. We believe in stretching for growth as a company and as professionals and seek competitive, self-motivated people as teammates who do the same. 

Job Description

The Business Development Manager drives customer acquisition and revenue generation by identifying, securing, activating and extending business relationships with regional and national partners. Potential partners range from training facilities, team programs, tournaments and camps, to baseball/softball organizations of national scope.

Success in this role is defined by: relentlessly securing new business opportunities, converting opportunities into value for the organization, delighting the customer, identifying new value streams for both Diamond Kinetics and the partner and always being a step ahead of the competition. The role requires a skilled balance of “hunter” and “farmer” with the experienced touch of a “diplomat”.

Key Responsibilities 

Understand the Market and Competition

• Analyze the marketplace, customers and competitors to determine the right approaches and value propositions for different types of partners

• Be well informed of competitive activities; anticipate and mitigate risks to the organization

• Help prioritize the organization’s business development strategies to always remain ahead of the competition

Develop and Maintain Strong Relationships

• Build a broad and deep network of business relationships within training facilities, team programs, tournaments and camps and other baseball/softball organizations

• Extend relationships deeply into, and across, the partner organizations 

• Strengthen the value of the relationships and network overall by being a valuable resource beyond just a personal relationship

Drive Customer and Partner Acquisition

• Identify, prioritize, qualify and penetrate potential partner organizations 

• Effectively educate potential partners on the organization’s technology and products; persuasively create interest and strong demand 

• Negotiate and close partnerships; providing on-going support

Develop and Implement Go-to-Market Plans

• Work with partners to build execution plans to ensure translation of partnership into customer acquisition and revenue

• Provide on-going education and support of partner and their customers

Create and Scale Value Streams

• Insure partnerships translate into meaningful revenue for the organization at an acceptable return on total investment

• Develop detailed and reliable forecasts of value

• Extend and deepen partnerships to create new value streams for the organization and the partner

Monitor and Improve Performance and Satisfaction

• Set and measure against benchmarks for partner and customer acquisition, product engagement and conversion to revenue

• Leverage CRM tools to manage information and advance relationships through the selling and conversion process

• Analyze, review, and report on effectiveness of new initiatives and partnerships

Represent the Organization in Key Industry and Partner Forums

• Serve as an ambassador for the organization in key forums to strengthen current relationships and build new ones

• Understand and navigate sensitive multi-partner engagements to the benefit of the organization

Qualifications

Competencies Required

• Build relationships internally and externally

• Excellent listening and communication skills

• Establish sound plans and manage execution

• Influence others

• Drives for results and accountable

• Customer-centric mindset that creates delight and loyalty

Experience Required

• B.A., B.S. or equivalent degree in Business, Sports Marketing, Communications, or equivalent field of study

• 3-5 years of consistent success in sales or business development in consumer technology, sports/fitness products, or B2B services to the baseball/softball industry

• Successful experience executing marketing programs, promotional events and/or trade shows

• Very technology savvy; a personal passion

• Highly proficient in MS Office, social media platforms and CRM tools Played competitive-level amateur baseball or softball

Additional Desired Experience

• Start-up and/or early-stage company experience

• Professional experience coaching/training baseball or softball at the amateur level

• Experience working at the intersection of hardware and software

• MBA a plus

Additional Information

  • Unique, exciting opportunity to work in an angel/venture backed early stage company
  • Flexible work environment
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Overnight travel may be required for this position but it is expected to be very infrequent
  • Diamond Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer and all information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines