Business Development Representative - Industrial in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Cogent Analytics

Full-Time | Industrial, Commercial & Municipal Markets

The Outside Sales Representative (OSR) plays a critical role in driving growth across Industrial, Commercial, and Municipal/Local Government sectors. This position is responsible for developing new business, strengthening referral networks, and promoting specialized pipeline services—including CCTV inspections, CPPIs, CIPP/UV liners, and NACE coating and repair solutions. The OSR builds trusted relationships with key decisionmakers, identifies emerging opportunities, and ensures seamless coordination from initial outreach through project execution.

• Identify, pursue, and secure new Municipal and Industrial opportunities through cold calls, email outreach, inperson visits, and industry networking.

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of commercial clients and referral partners, including property managers, facility directors, asset managers, and insurance professionals.

• Develop and expand referral networks with City Managers, Asset Managers, Engineering Firms, General Contractors, and Commercial/Industrial Plumbing companies.

• Maintain and grow established sales plans while exercising autonomy to create new strategic outreach plans.

• Build long-term relationships with municipal officers, industrial contractors, engineering firms, and other key stakeholders.

• Attend trade shows, industry events, and municipal prebid networking sessions to strengthen market presence.

• Develop and execute strategies to penetrate target markets and assigned territories.

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, meetings, proposals, and opportunities.

• Distribute marketing collateral and educational materials tailored to pipeline services audiences.

• Collaborate with internal leadership to align messaging, campaigns, and outreach initiatives.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for new clients.

• Facilitate smooth transitions from sales to project execution, ensuring exceptional service throughout the engagement.

• Track weekly and monthly activity metrics, including outreach volume, meetings, proposals, and new client acquisition.

• Provide leadership with insights on market trends, challenges, and emerging commercial opportunities.

• Technical knowledge of NACE Coating Level 1 & 2, CCTV inspections, CIPP and UV liners.

• Ability to read and critically interpret pipeline blueprints (CAD) and construction documents.

• Strong sense of urgency and proactive issue escalation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.

• Associate degree or higher.

• Knowledge of NACE Coating Level 1 & 2, CCTV inspections, CIPP and UV liners; ability to read piping drawings.

• Valid driver’s license; ability to travel up to 80%.

• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

• Minimum 2+ years of business development, outside sales, or marketing experience.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.