Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Under the guidance of the Economic Development Director, the Business Development Manager will lead proactive outreach to targeted industry sectors in Stonecrest, focusing on businesses with strong potential for job creation and retention. This role involves building and maintaining strategic relationships with key industry players and supporting their growth through tailored services and access to local and state programs. The Manager will engage with businesses through site visits, industry events, community meetings, and both virtual and in-person interactions. As a forward-thinking leader, the Business Development Manager will also drive new business investment and job creation by conducting market research, crafting strategic marketing initiatives, and generating qualified leads. Serving as the primary liaison for prospective businesses, the Manager will guide companies through the site selection process, assist with approvals, and help navigate regulatory challenges. They will cultivate relationships with site selectors, developers, brokers, and executives to promote Stonecrest's competitive advantages. This position requires a strong grasp of market trends, incentive programs, and regulatory frameworks, along with the ability to communicate the city's value proposition through compelling presentations and negotiations. The Manager will also lead marketing efforts, manage the business prospect pipeline, and represent the city at trade shows and industry events. Collaboration with internal departments is essential to streamline processes, improve policies, and foster a business-friendly environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

Major Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Business Recruitment, Retention & Expansion Lead business expansion and recruitment projects from initiation through completion. Proactively market city programs and services to targeted industry contacts to generate new business opportunities. Build and maintain a strategic list of companies within key industry sectors for outreach and engagement. Plan and conduct business visits to identify job creation opportunities and promote city-supported programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management Engage with key stakeholders to ensure accurate and current program information is shared and understood. Serve as the city's liaison to private developers, assisting with navigation through city departments and processes. Represent the city on economic development boards, committees, and at public events as assigned.

Project & Program Management Manage the financial incentives process in collaboration with public partners for eligible projects. Develop and implement business assistance, retention, and financing strategies. Evaluate projects using cost-benefit analysis to support decision-making. Prepare detailed reports on economic development activities for internal leadership, advisory boards, and City Council.

Industry Expertise & Data Management Act as a subject matter expert on assigned targeted industry sectors. Maintain accurate records of contacts and project statuses using CRM systems to support effective project tracking and performance measurement.

Community & Public Engagement Collaborate with citizen committees, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and special interest organizations on economic development initiatives. Develop and manage public improvement and private revitalization project plans, including timelines and critical path schedules.

Events, Training & Program Development Coordinate access to professional development, training, and educational resources for local businesses. Oversee the planning and execution of economic development events and facility use. Lead the development and implementation of business-support programming.

Procurement & Contract Management Develop and evaluate Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for economic development initiatives. Negotiate and manage contracts, leases, and agreements with vendors, partners, and service providers.

Preferred Competencies Communication & Relationship Management Communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, city staff, elected officials, business owners, real estate professionals, HR directors, bankers, developers, and technical teams. Build and maintain constructive relationships with strategic partners across public, private, financial, and educational sectors. Delivers persuasive presentations to business leaders, developers, city management, and public officials to promote economic development initiatives and opportunities.

Reporting & Documentation Collects and inputs data from industry visits, documenting individual business challenges, shared concerns, and future expansion plans to inform strategic planning and program development. Prepares clear and detailed memos, analytical documents, management reports, and project updates to communicate program outcomes, explain complex concepts, and support decision-making processes.

Minimum Qualifications Education : Bachelor's degree in public administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Commercial Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. Experience : Over five years of progressively responsible experience in managing projects and programs related to economic development, redevelopment, commercial real estate, business assistance, public infrastructure, finance (public and / or private), or workforce development. Technical Skills : Proficient in using CRM systems for project tracking and relationship management. Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite for developing marketing and presentation materials. Presentations : Capable of creating and delivering compelling presentations to both public and private sector audiences. Certificates, Licenses & Registrations Valid Georgia Class C Driver's License

Other Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of : Economic development principles, practices, and techniques. Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies affecting the business community and economic development efforts. Georgia redevelopment laws, City policies and ordinances, zoning and sign codes, and planning and zoning processes. Site plan review methods, urban design principles, and redevelopment program strategies. Sales, marketing, promotion, and business management principles, particularly in facilities management. Current economic, demographic, and market trends within the regional area. Research and analysis methodologies relevant to business and real estate markets. Local and regional business environments, including real estate market dynamics. Trends in regional and national downtown redevelopment. Small business and entrepreneurship development practices. Public and private sector financing methods for development projects. Skills and Abilities : Serve as a liaison and expeditor between government agencies and private sector stakeholders. Manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously with a high degree of organization and attention to detail. Apply advanced sales and marketing techniques to promote economic development initiatives. Exercise initiative, sound judgment, and independent decision-making. Build and maintain effective working relationships with business executives, site selectors, developers, regional and state economic development agencies, City officials, departments, and advisory boards. Other Requirements : May work an adjusted schedule for assisting in events occurring after 5 : 00 p.m. such as meetings and / or planned events. Requirements included in this class specification may be subject to modification in order to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential duties of the job.