Business Development Specialist
About The Position
The Business Development Specialist (Specification Sales) builds consultative relationships with electrical engineers, fire protection consultants, design firms, general contractors, and electrical contractors. The goal is to have Kidde fire alarm systems included in project specifications and to make Kidde a preferred solution on projects without formal specifications. The role combines technical expertise with strategic outreach to help engineering and construction partners design safer, code-compliant buildings and position Kidde across project types. The specialist provides product information and design-phase guidance, connects project teams with qualified dealers for budgeting and design support, identifies opportunities early, and coordinates handoffs to internal sales and distribution teams. The role represents Kidde at industry events and may require overnight domestic travel of up to 60%. It does not perform system layouts.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 5 years of specification or OEM sales experience in fire alarm, low-voltage, or life-safety systems.
- Full understanding of IFC, NFPA, and general fire alarm codes.
- Strong understanding of electrical engineering workflows and construction processes.
- Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and drawings.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Self-motivated and organized, and comfortable with field-based work.
- Overnight domestic travel of up to 60% may be required.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field; relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with electrical engineering firms, fire protection consultants, design teams, general contractors, and electrical contractors through visits, presentations, and technical support.
- Engage general contractors and electrical contractors on projects without formal engineering specifications, working with in-house engineering, low-voltage, or special-systems teams to introduce Kidde early and influence product preference.
- Promote Kidde fire alarm products and technologies through demonstrations, lunch-and-learns, and code-focused discussions.
- Work with engineers and specifiers to include Kidde systems in written specifications for new construction and retrofit projects.
- Provide technical guidance on system layout considerations, code compliance questions, and product selection during design phases; connect engineering teams with qualified dealers for budgeting and design support rather than performing system layouts.
- Connect engineering firms, electrical contractors, and general contractors to support alignment, clarity, and project progression.
- Identify projects early in the design cycle by tracking engineering activity, monitoring bid platforms, and maintaining a pipeline of specification-driven and contractor-driven opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal sales and distribution teams to hand off opportunities for quoting, bidding, and fulfillment.
- Attend trade shows, engineering association meetings, and training events to increase brand visibility and strengthen industry relationships.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and company holidays.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- EAP assistance.
- Potential annual performance bonus based on individual and company performance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
