Research and Development Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota

Job Summary

The Landscape Business Development Associate is a motivated, outgoing, and results-driven individual responsible for generating new business and driving sales growth within Weller Brothers' Landscape Division. This position combines a strong understanding of landscape design and construction with an emphasis on outbound sales, prospecting, networking, and developing new customer relationships.

The ideal candidate is passionate about creating exceptional outdoor spaces while actively seeking opportunities to introduce Weller Brothers' services to new residential and commercial customers. This individual will identify prospective clients, develop creative and practical landscape solutions, prepare proposals, and guide customers through the sales process while consistently working to exceed customer expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and competency satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this job.

Business Development and Sales

• Proactively identify, pursue, and develop new residential and commercial landscape construction opportunities throughout the Rochester market.
• Generate new business through outbound sales calls, direct customer outreach, networking, referrals, and community involvement.
• Research and identify potential customers, including homeowners, builders, developers, property managers, contractors, and commercial businesses.
• Build and maintain strong business relationships with prospective and existing customers.
• Manage the sales process from initial prospecting and customer consultation through proposal development, closing the sale, and transitioning the project to the appropriate operations team.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase market presence, generate qualified leads, and achieve established sales goals.
• Participate in community events, professional organizations, and industry associations to develop relationships and promote Weller Brothers.
• Maintain an active pipeline of prospective customers and projects, ensuring consistent follow-up and accurate documentation in the CRM system.
• Prepare and deliver professional sales presentations, estimates, and proposals that communicate the value of Weller Brothers' landscape services.
• Identify opportunities for additional landscape projects and services with existing customers.

Landscape Design and Project Development

• Meet with prospective customers to understand their landscaping needs, preferences, budgets, and project expectations.
• Prepare landscape designs, estimates, planting schemes, and project proposals, presenting them to customers in a timely, effective, and professional manner.
• Develop creative, innovative, and practical landscape solutions that incorporate appropriate plant materials, hardscape features, and current industry trends.
• Plan proposed landscape improvements by incorporating new features with existing site conditions and structures.
• Perform site inventories and analyses, including assessment of existing plants, soil conditions, lighting, drainage, views, and architectural features.
• Maintain knowledge of landscape construction techniques, materials, plant selections, and industry developments.
• Research applicable guidelines, city codes, and other requirements that may impact proposed landscape projects.
• Collaborate with landscape designers, estimators, project managers, and installation teams to ensure proposals are accurate, achievable, and aligned with customer expectations.
• Assist with project revisions, change order estimates, and design modifications as needed.
• Communicate project details and customer expectations to the appropriate operations team to ensure a smooth transition from sales to installation.

Customer Relationships and Collaboration

• Develop strong, positive customer relationships through clear, frequent, effective, professional, and timely communication.
• Follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction and identify future business opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with customers, landscape team members, contractors, subcontractors, and supervisors.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and past clients to generate, track, and follow up on referrals, creating new sales opportunities and strengthening the sales pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with operations teams to support successful project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Represent Weller Brothers professionally and promote high standards for customer service, safety, and a positive team environment.

General Responsibilities

• Understand and support Weller Brothers' vision, mission, and core values.
• Maintain accurate sales activity, customer information, and project documentation in company systems.
• Demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple sales opportunities and projects.
• Attend customer meetings, networking events, and other business development activities, including occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
• Follow all policies as specified in the Employee Handbook.
• Make decisions that are in the best interest of the company.
• Travel to other Weller Brothers locations as needed.
• Perform other duties necessary to support the Weller Brothers mission.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong sales, prospecting, and relationship-building abilities.
• Comfortable initiating contact with prospective customers and actively pursuing new business opportunities.
• Knowledge of landscape design, construction techniques, plant materials, and hardscape products.
• Ability to prepare and present landscape designs, estimates, and proposals.
• Strong understanding of construction materials and project development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and sales opportunities.
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, designers, operations teams, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn CRM and company software.
• Experience with landscape design software, CAD, or 3D visualization tools preferred.
• Valid driver's license and driving record that meets company requirements.

Education/Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Landscape Contracting, Horticulture, Business, Sales, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in landscape design, landscape construction sales, business development, or a related industry preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop customer relationships and generate new sales opportunities.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant industry experience will be considered.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Light Work: Lifting up to 20 pounds and frequently lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds. The position involves a combination of office work, customer meetings, site visits, and outdoor activities. Walking or standing for extended periods and navigating uneven terrain at landscape and construction sites may be required.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Specific schedules will be determined based on customer needs and general business requirements. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary for customer meetings, networking events, and other business development activities.