Business Development Manager - Paragon Des Moines, Iowa

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

Your Impact Starts the Day You Do!

What We Need

We are looking for a Business Development Manager – Paragon to join our HNI Workplace Furnishings team.

The Business Development Manager –Paragon is responsible for generating profitable sales growth and developing business opportunities within the Paragon market across the HNI Workplace Furnishings portfolio. This role serves as a key business partner to Paragon sales leadership and team members, helping execute market strategies, develop pipeline, strengthen customer and influencer relationships, and increase market share across Allsteel, HON, Kimball, and the broader Workplace Furnishings portfolio.

The Business Development Manager will work closely with Paragon and HNI Workplace Furnishings partners to identify and pursue new business, develop strategic accounts, support complex opportunities, and execute market-level growth initiatives. The role leads through collaboration and influence and does not have direct management responsibility for Paragon members.

What You Will Do

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Prospect for and develop new business opportunities through direct field sales activity, customer engagement, networking, industry relationships, and market intelligence.
• Search, qualify, develop, and track sales opportunities, driving opportunities through the sales cycle from initial engagement through successful close.
• Contribute to achievement of Paragon and HNI Workplace Furnishings sales objectives through execution of individual sales goals, strategic account plans, and market development activities.
• Identify commercial business activity, including relocations, lease expirations, construction activity, expansions, and other market events that may generate sales opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified opportunities across the HNI Workplace Furnishings portfolio.
• Maintain accurate opportunity, account, customer interaction, and forecasting information within CRM systems.
• Provide regular forecasts and business updates regarding pipeline health, significant opportunities, competitive activity, and market conditions.

Dealer Partnership & Market Development

• Partner closely with Paragon sales leadership and sales professionals to identify market opportunities and execute growth strategies.
• Build trusted relationships with Paragon leadership and sales team members while maintaining appropriate alignment with HNI Workplace Furnishings priorities.
• Support development and execution of strategic account and market plans designed to increase revenue, market share, and customer engagement.
• Provide market insights and recommendations that strengthen Paragon's competitive position and identify opportunities for profitable growth.
• Participate in business reviews with Paragon and HNI leadership to evaluate performance, pipeline, market opportunities, and progress against established objectives.
• Support initiatives that strengthen Paragon's ability to represent and grow the HNI Workplace Furnishings portfolio.

Customer & Influencer Development

• Build and maintain relationships with commercial end users, A&D firms, commercial real estate professionals, general contractors, project managers, industry influencers, and other key market stakeholders.
• Participate actively in relevant industry organizations, events, networking groups, and market activities to identify and develop new opportunities.
• Lead and participate in customer meetings, presentations, product discussions, and other external sales activities.
• Consult with customers and influencers to understand business challenges, workplace objectives, project requirements, and purchasing considerations.
• Position the breadth of HNI Workplace Furnishings solutions based on customer needs and business objectives.
• Develop relationships with senior customer decision-makers and key influencers to strengthen HNI and Paragon's position within strategic accounts.

Opportunity & Deal Strategy

• Partner with Paragon sales professionals and HNI resources to develop strategies for significant sales opportunities.
• Coordinate selling efforts across complex opportunities involving customers, A&D partners, commercial real estate professionals, general contractors, and other influencers.
• Support RFPs, bids, presentations, mockups, pricing discussions, and other activities necessary to successfully advance opportunities.
• Provide competitive intelligence and customer insights to support deal strategy and improve probability of win.
• Leverage appropriate HNI resources across Sales, Marketing, Product, Learning & Development, Dealer Development, and other functions to support strategic opportunities.
• Ensure customer-facing strategies and solutions appropriately represent HNI Workplace Furnishings brands and value propositions.

Strategic Business Partnership

• Support execution of strategic initiatives associated with the HNI and Paragon business relationship.
• Collaborate with HNI and Paragon leadership on market priorities, customer opportunities, showroom initiatives, events, product launches, and other growth initiatives.
• Identify potential business risks, competitive threats, and market opportunities and elevate them appropriately to HNI and Paragon leadership.
• Provide business insights and recommendations that support continuous improvement and long-term growth of the partnership.
• Lead through influence and collaboration without direct authority over Paragon members.
• Participate in activities as appropriate to ensure the success of the organization and strategic partnership.

What You Have

Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Communications or related field preferred.

At least 3 years of relevant experience required; 5 years of experience preferred.