Business Development Manager, Fire Suppression, East Coast

Johnson Controls•Nashville, TN

2d•$101,000 - $157,000

About The Position

Johnson Controls is hiring a Business Development Manager to drive demand and specification activity for Fire Suppression solutions across the Eastern United States. This strategic, consultative sales role builds relationships with consultants, architects, engineers, end users, contractors, developers, and strategic partners to influence design decisions, increase market presence, and advance major project opportunities across key vertical markets. The role combines technical fire suppression expertise with relationship management to position Johnson Controls solutions early in the project lifecycle and help qualified opportunities progress from specification through award. The position works closely with regional sales teams and internal product, engineering, training, and technical support groups, and represents Johnson Controls at industry events. Extensive travel throughout the territory is required.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in fire suppression systems, special hazards suppression, sprinkler systems, clean agent systems, water mist systems, life safety systems, or related technical sales/business development roles.
Strong knowledge of fire suppression systems, suppression technologies, and applicable industry codes and standards.
Experience influencing specifications and working with consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, and end users.
Proven success in business development, demand creation, and strategic account management.
Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to engage engineering teams and executive leadership.
Strong technical aptitude and ability to represent Johnson Controls Fire Suppression technologies at a high level.
Ability to travel extensively throughout the Eastern United States territory.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, Fire Protection Engineering, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
Knowledge of NFPA 13, NFPA 15, NFPA 16, NFPA 17, NFPA 17A, NFPA 20, NFPA 2001, and other applicable fire protection and life safety standards.
Experience supporting critical infrastructure, healthcare, higher education, data centers, airports, manufacturing facilities, energy, or other complex vertical markets.
Established network within the consulting engineer and fire protection engineering community.
Experience with specification-driven sales processes and major project pursuits.

Responsibilities

Drive business development activities to increase demand for Johnson Controls Fire Suppression solutions across the Eastern United States.
Serve as a primary subject matter expert on fire suppression solutions for consultants, architects, engineers, developers, and strategic end users.
Identify, develop, and track large project opportunities from early specification through project award.
Develop and execute territory strategies to expand specification influence and grow market share across targeted vertical markets.
Deliver technical seminars, lunch-and-learns, product demonstrations, and industry presentations.
Build and maintain relationships with consulting engineers, fire protection engineers, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and other industry influencers.
Influence project design by providing application guidance, code-compliant solutions, and fire suppression expertise.
Support end-user initiatives by promoting integrated fire and life safety solutions aligned with operational and business objectives.
Partner with product management, engineering, training, and technical support to address customer needs and communicate market trends.
Collaborate with regional sales teams on account strategies, specifications, and project conversion.
Maintain opportunity pipelines, project tracking, forecasting, and customer engagement activity in approved CRM systems.
Represent Johnson Controls at industry associations, conferences, and trade events.
Manage the territory with accountability and focus on project outcomes from initial engagement through award.
Engage consultants, AHJs, end users, and contractors early to address project obstacles and needs.
Use market feedback, follow-through, and problem-solving to improve specification strategies and customer engagement.
Translate technical fire suppression knowledge into clear recommendations for practical, code-compliant solutions.
Use presentations, seminars, and product demonstrations to create demand, strengthen trust, and support specification decisions.
Balance strategic territory planning with responsive support for active opportunities.