Head of Business Development

Overview

Our client is a well-established eCommerce and online marketplace business headquartered in the Greater Cincinnati area. They are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Business Development to lead their revenue growth function as the business moves into a new phase of expansion. This is a newly created role with real latitude to shape the function and with significant visibility to executive leadership. The successful candidate will lead a small geographically dispersed sales team while maintaining a personal business development presence. The role reports to the SVP and is on-site in Cincinnati.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Business Development Managers across existing and emerging markets, bridging HQ and remote reps through clear strategy and a strong player-coach presence
• Translate high-level company strategy into executable team priorities, with a focus on quality pipeline over volume
• Generate personal lead flow through networking, events, and referral partner relationships with professionals such as real estate agents, estate attorneys, financial planners, and senior move managers
• Actively manage inbound sales inquiries across phone, email, and web channels, ensuring timely follow-up and qualification
• Confidently represent and sell the company's service offering to prospective clients, sellers, and partners
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with sellers, dealers, collectors, and influencers across the art, design, antiques, and fashion communities
• Monitor sales pipeline and auction results to ensure inventory quality and profitability thresholds are consistently met
• Partner with the on-site Operations team to align sales activity with operational capacity and deliver an excellent seller experience
• Collaborate with senior leadership on budget planning, go-to-market strategy, and geographic expansion targeting
• Recruit, onboard, and develop new business development talent as the team scales

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in business development or B2B sales
• Minimum 2 years of proven experience managing and leading a high-performing sales or business development team
• Demonstrated track record of exceeding sales plans and building sustainable pipelines
• Able to manage both up (executive leadership) and down (frontline sales team) — this is a true middle-management role with direct owner visibility
• Data-driven; comfortable using Salesforce or equivalent CRM to coach performance, not just track activity
• Strong communicator and relationship builder — able to sell internally and externally with equal confidence
• Willingness to travel to market locations and partner events as required
• A results-driven approach balanced with genuine empathy for clients.
• Must be based in, or willing to relocate to, the Cincinnati, OH area

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience
• Experience in e-commerce, secondhand marketplaces, online auctions, or related industries
• Background in appraisals, estate management, or luxury/collectible goods
• Familiarity with referral networks across real estate, legal, financial advisory, or senior living sectors
• Prior experience managing geographically dispersed or remote sales teams
• Demonstrated ability to transition from individual contributor to people leader, with evidence of coaching and developing others
  

Base salary: $100,000 – $110,000 per annum, commensurate with experience

Commission: Uncapped, tied to business development activity; structure discussed during the interview process

Bonus: Up to 10% of base salary annually, based on defined KPIs

Benefits: Competitive benefits package

Relocation: Flat-fee relocation assistance available for candidates moving to the Cincinnati area

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.