Company Description:
True North Manufacturing Inc. (TNMI) is an industrialized construction company based in Midland, ON, focused primarily on value-added panelized wall and floor systems and sub-assembly components for low- and mid-rise residential construction.
TNMI is also developing an alternate product line focused on smaller residential and accessory structures, including Additional/Accessory Residential Units (ARUs/ADUs), sheds, garages, pergolas and other prefabricated structures and building components.
By combining key manufacturing concepts from automotive and other industries, including the conflow process model, our products help to greatly reduce costs and lead-time while simultaneously improving quality.
We are also students of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and the Toyota Way and have adapted these core strategies into our own TNMI Way.
Role Description and Responsibilities Summary:
This is a business development role focused on identifying, developing, and converting new customer and project opportunities for True North Manufacturing Inc.
The primary focus of the role will be developing opportunities for TNMI's industrialized construction services and panelized building systems within the low- and mid-rise residential construction market, working with developers, builders, general contractors/construction managers, framers and other industry partners.
The role will also support the continued development and commercialization of TNMI's alternate product line, including ARUs/ADUs, sheds, garages, pergolas and other prefabricated structures and building components.
The successful candidate will be highly self-motivated and comfortable independently developing new opportunities, establishing long-term customer relationships, and working with TNMI's technical and operations teams to understand customer requirements and develop appropriate solutions.
This opportunity will initially be structured as an independent contractor arrangement.
As TNMI continues to grow, there may be an opportunity for the successful individual to transition into a full-time employment role with the organization. Any future transition would be based on business needs, individual performance and mutual fit and is not guaranteed.
There will be a significant and ongoing focus on training & development, including developing knowledge of TNMI's products, manufacturing processes, industrialized construction, the Toyota Production System and the TNMI Way.
Specific duties will include:
- Identify and develop new business and project opportunities for TNMI's core low- and mid-rise residential construction business.
- Develop new business opportunities for TNMI's alternate structures product line, including ARUs/ADUs, sheds, garages, pergolas and other prefabricated structures and building components.
- Identify and develop customers, markets, sales channels, dealers/distributors and strategic partners for TNMI's alternate structures product line.
- Support the commercialization and continued development of alternate products by gathering customer and market feedback related to product requirements, features, pricing and market opportunities.
- Develop relationships with homeowners, builders, contractors, retailers, dealers/distributors and other potential customers and channel partners appropriate to TNMI's alternate structures product line.
- Proactively develop relationships with developers, builders, general contractors/construction managers, framers and other prospective customers and industry partners.
- Generate new leads through direct outreach, networking, referrals, industry events and other business development activities.
- Respond to inbound opportunities and qualify prospective customers and projects.
- Develop an understanding of customer requirements, project needs, schedules, commercial objectives and key decision criteria.
- Introduce and communicate TNMI's industrialized construction capabilities and value proposition to prospective customers.
- Work with TNMI's Design, Estimating, Production and Leadership teams to develop appropriate technical and commercial solutions for qualified opportunities.
- Support the development and presentation of proposals, quotations and other commercial information required to advance opportunities.
- Maintain regular contact with prospective and existing customers and actively follow opportunities through the sales cycle.
- Gather and communicate customer and market feedback to support ongoing development of TNMI's products, pricing and commercial strategies.
- Maintain accurate records of leads, opportunities, customer activity and follow-up requirements.
- Develop and maintain an active sales pipeline and regularly report on business development activity, opportunities and expected timing.
- Attend customer meetings, project sites, industry events and trade shows as required.
- Maintain a professional, customer service-oriented manner and support the TNMI Way.
- Promote and integrate TPS principles, methods and knowledge.
- Perform special projects as assigned and other duties as required.
- Travel within Ontario and occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
What We are Looking For:
· Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills.
· Demonstrated ability and willingness to proactively identify and develop new business opportunities.
· Self-motivated, entrepreneurial and comfortable taking ownership of business development activities and results.
· Comfortable initiating contact and developing relationships with prospective customers rather than relying primarily on inbound opportunities.
· Strong organizational and time-management skills, with disciplined follow-up across multiple customers and opportunities.
· Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including project personnel, technical professionals, senior leadership and business owners.
· Ability and willingness to develop a strong understanding of TNMI's products, processes and industrialized construction approach.
· Ability to understand customer requirements and work with TNMI's technical team to develop appropriate solutions.
· Professional, credible and customer-focused approach.
· Comfortable working in a results-oriented, commission-based business development environment.
· Interest in helping develop new products, markets, customer relationships and sales channels.
· Positive, professional attitude and a strong desire to succeed and contribute to the growth of TNMI.
· Ability and willingness to travel to customer locations, project sites and industry events as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Previous business development, outside sales, account development or related sales experience.
· Previous experience in residential construction, land development, homebuilding, building materials, manufacturing, industrialized construction or a related industry is an asset.
· Existing relationships within the residential construction industry, including developers, builders, general contractors/construction managers, framers, building-material suppliers or other industry stakeholders, are an asset.
· Experience developing and managing a sales pipeline from initial prospecting through contract award is an asset.
· Experience developing new markets, products, sales channels or strategic partnerships is an asset.
· Experience with CRM systems and other digital sales tools is an asset.
· Familiarity with construction drawings, estimating, project delivery or building systems is an asset.
· Valid driver's licence and ability to travel to customer and project locations.
Compensation and Benefits:
· This opportunity will initially be structured as an independent contractor arrangement.
· Compensation will be commission-based with uncapped earning potential.
· Commission rates, eligible sales, payment timing and other commercial terms will be clearly defined in the independent contractor agreement.
· Approved business-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
· As TNMI continues to grow, there may be an opportunity to transition into a full-time employment role with the organization. Any future transition would be based on business requirements, individual performance and mutual agreement and is not guaranteed. For full-time, regular employees:
o Comprehensive employer paid health & dental benefits, with a supplemental health spending account.
o Annual profit-sharing program.
o Paid time-off and vacation time.
o Safety shoe and uniform allowances.
o Lunch program.
TNMI is an equal opportunity organization and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, including the Ontario Human Rights Code, and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
TNMI is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that respects diversity and promotes equity and belonging for all employees. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ2+ people and indigenous peoples.