Manager, Member Development (Business Development)

Manager, Member Development (Business Development) Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) Southport, CT Job Details Full-time From $50,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Life insurance Qualifications Sales revenue Forecasting Teamwork Customer relationship building Client onboarding Customer retention 5 years Business development B2B Prospecting Networking through strategic partnership building Sales pipeline management CRM system proficiency Senior level Strategic partnerships Cross-functional collaboration Leadership Communication skills Consultative selling Customer acquisition Cross-functional communication Full Job Description About Us The Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) is a premier buying group dedicated to empowering independent jewelers to thrive through collective purchasing power, strategic vendor partnerships, and industry-leading education. For over 55 years, IJO has fostered a collaborative community that strengthens the success and longevity of independent retail businesses across the United States and Canada. Position Overview IJO is seeking a high-impact, relationship-driven business development professional to recruit and welcome new retail members into our organization. This role is focused on strategic growth, not transactional sales, building meaningful partnerships and authentic connections with independent jewelers and demonstrating the long-term value of joining IJO by understanding their businesses, their challenges and their goals. The ideal candidate brings a consultative approach, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to influence and convert through credibility, trust, and industry insight while developing long-term partnerships that support mutual success. Key Responsibilities

• Drive new retail member acquisition through proactive outreach, referrals, industry networking, and targeted business development strategies
• Lead consultative conversations with prospective retail partners, identifying business needs and aligning them with IJO's value proposition
• Engage prospective members through outreach, always leading with curiosity and credibility
• Conduct consultative conversations to understand each retailer's business and identify where IJO can provide value
• Represent IJO at industry events, trade shows, and in-market meetings to cultivate retailer relationships and expand IJO brand presence
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of retailers, maintaining accurate CRM tracking and delivering regular performance insights; with a focus on quality of relationships as well as outcomes
• Partner cross-functionally to refine membership positioning, ensure a welcoming onboarding experience, and long-term engagement strategies
• Nurture relationships beyond onboarding to support long-term engagement and retenti
• Act as a brand ambassador for IJO, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner within the jewelry industry Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in business development, B2B sales, partnership growth or relationship management
• Proven ability to build and convert a pipeline through relationship-based selling; naturally consultative, people-first approach with the ability to build trust quickly
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to influence through insight rather than pressure
• High degree of resilience, personal accountability, and follow-through
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for events and client engagement
• Maintain thoughtful forecasts to support membership growth goals, ensuring alignment with broader organizational needs
• Experience within the jewelry industry, buying groups, or adjacent luxury/retail sectors is a strong plus
• CRM proficiency and data-driven approach to pipeline management preferred Compensation & Benefits
• Base salary: $50,000 + performance-based commission + retention incentives
• Target earnings potential: $100,000+
• Opportunity for career progression into senior leadership role
• Exposure to top-tier retailers and vendors across the industry
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven culture Why This Role This role sits at the center of IJO's future growth.

The right candidate will directly influence the expansion of our membership base and play a key role in strengthening the independent jewelry community. You will directly impact the strength and expansion of IJO's membership base while directly contributing to the long-term success of both our organization and the retailers we serve. How to Apply Please submit your resume along with a brief note outlining your interest in the role and your approach to building long-term business relationships.

Pay:

From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Willingness to travel: 50% (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Southport, CT 06890