Description
Rapids & Affiliates | Twin Cities, MN (Minneapolis and St. Paul territory) | Full-Time
About Rapids
Rapids & Affiliates has been a family-owned commercial foodservice equipment company since 1936. We operate three divisions: Rapids Contract & Design (design-build foodservice equipment packages for new construction and renovation projects), Rapids Wholesale (distribution and e-commerce), and Star Service (equipment service and repair). This role focuses on delivering projects through the Rapids Contract & Design division, where we partner with architects, consultants, general contractors, and end users to design and equip commercial kitchens from the ground up, everything from casinos and food halls to university dining and hospitality projects.
The Role
We're hiring a Business Development Lead to grow our Contract & Design pipeline across the Twin Cities. You'll identify and pursue new construction and renovation projects, build relationships with the architects, consultants, and owners who drive foodservice equipment decisions, and manage those relationships from first contact through project award. This is a hunting and relationship-building role rooted in a real industry: commercial construction and foodservice.
You'll work alongside our design and project teams, so you're not selling in a vacuum. You bring in the opportunity and the relationship; our team builds the technical solution with you.
What You'll Do
Identify and track upcoming commercial construction and renovation projects across the Twin Cities territory (casinos, food halls, higher education dining, hospitality, healthcare, and similar segments)
Build and maintain relationships with architects, foodservice consultants, general contractors, and facility owners/operators
Develop and deliver capabilities presentations to prospective clients and partners
Manage a pipeline of active opportunities in our CRM, from initial contact through bid and award
Collaborate with the Contract & Design team to shape proposals that fit project scope and budget
Represent Rapids at industry events, trade shows, and networking functions
Report on pipeline status and outreach activity to leadership
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary plus commission on closed business, so your earning potential grows directly with the pipeline you build
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Vehicle mileage reimbursement
Professional development support
Tuition assistance
Requirements
What You'll Bring
Must-have:
Proven track record in business development, sales, or account management, ideally in construction, foodservice, architecture/design, or a related B2B relationship-driven field
Strong communication and negotiation skills, comfortable presenting to owners, architects, and contractors
Ability to manage a multi-month sales cycle and multiple concurrent opportunities
Ability to track and manage opportunities in a CRM to maintain deal velocity through the sales cycle
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and current auto insurance (mileage reimbursed per company policy)
Willingness to travel within the Twin Cities territory as needed
Nice-to-have:
Experience in the foodservice equipment, commercial kitchen design, or construction industry
Experience with Salesforce
Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field (equivalent experience considered)
Existing relationships with architects, GCs, or foodservice consultants in the Twin Cities region