Business Development Manager – Fire Suppression (Midwest)

Johnson Controls•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

Our employees are the most important part of our business. Thank you for your interest in applying to new opportunities with us. Build your best future with the Johnson Controls Team. As a global leader in smart, health and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience, focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away! What we offer: Competitive salary with uncapped commission Paid vacation/holidays/sick time Company vehicle, Tools, and Equipment to complete all jobs Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care On the job/cross training opportunities Encouraging and collaborative team environment Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy Check us out: A Day in a life of Johnson Controls What you will do: Business Development Manager The Business Development Manager is responsible for driving growth and expanding strategic customer relationships across our full portfolio of products and services. This role focuses on building and strengthening partnerships with architects, engineers, and end‑users—serving as a trusted advisor who identifies opportunities, supports project development, and delivers solutions aligned with each stakeholder’s unique needs. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in business development, strong fire suppression background, major account sales, and strategic account planning. Success in this role requires the ability to cultivate long‑term relationships, understand complex technical and business requirements, and develop value‑driven strategies that support mutual growth. This position reports directly to the Director of Strategic Accounts for the Americas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Marketing, or a related work experience
5+ years of experience in strategic account management, enterprise sales, or business development
Experience working in Fire Suppression Industry is strongly preferred
Strong understanding of sales methodologies and account planning
Demonstrated success in managing and expanding strategic accounts
Exceptional negotiation, communication, and presentation skills
Ability to travel 50%-75%

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in CRM software (SalesForce)
Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Responsibilities

Account Management- Build and maintain strong relationships with architects, engineers, end‑users, and other fire‑protection stakeholders.
Serve as a knowledgeable resource on fire suppression systems, industry standards, and application considerations.
Strategic Planning- Develop account strategies that support project needs, compliance requirements, and long-term system performance objectives.
Align plans with customer priorities such as safety, code compliance, reliability, and operational continuity.
Opportunity Identification- Identify upcoming projects, system upgrades, and design opportunities where fire suppression expertise can support stakeholder decision‑making.
Provide guidance on appropriate suppression technologies based on risk profile and application.
Customer Engagement- Ensure consistent, proactive communication with customers throughout project lifecycles.
Provide technical support, documentation, and system insights to help customers meet code requirements and operational goals.
Technical & Contract Coordination- Support discussions related to system specifications, scope clarification, and project documentation.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with industry standards.
Market & Code Awareness Stay current on fire codes, regulatory changes, industry trends, and emerging suppression technologies.
Share insights with internal stakeholders to support continuous improvement of products, services, and technical programs.
Collaboration- Work cross‑functionally with engineering, operations, product management, and field teams to support successful project outcomes.
Provide field feedback to improve system design, documentation, and customer support processes.
Reporting & Project Tracking- Maintain accurate records of project activity, customer interactions, and future opportunities.
Provide clear updates on workload, project status, and account priorities to leadership.