Forward Robotics is seeking a highly motivated and entrepreneurial Business Development Manager to lead the growth of our Heavy Lift Agricultural Drone Division. This is a standalone role responsible for identifying new market opportunities, generating qualified leads, representing the company at industry events, negotiating commercial agreements, and supporting customer onboarding through project execution.
The successful candidate will serve as the primary commercial representative for our drone operations, developing relationships with growers, agricultural retailers, distributors, municipalities, forestry organizations, industrial clients, and strategic partners across North America.
This position is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building a business from the ground up.
Responsibilities
- Business Development & Lead Generation
- Identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities within agriculture, forestry, environmental services, utility corridors, and industrial applications.
- Develop and execute prospecting strategies to generate a consistent pipeline of qualified opportunities.
- Build relationships with growers, agricultural cooperatives, distributors, consultants, and industry stakeholders.
- Conduct market research to identify emerging applications and customer needs for heavy lift drone technology.
- Maintain and manage a healthy sales pipeline through proactive outreach and ongoing customer engagement.
Industry Representation
- Represent Forward Robotics at trade shows, conferences, demonstrations, and industry events.
- Coordinate and participate in customer site visits, field demonstrations, and product presentations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to prospective customers by understanding operational challenges and recommending drone-based solutions.
- Build strategic partnerships that expand market access and accelerate business growth.
Sales & Contract Negotiation
- Lead discovery meetings and solution discussions with prospective customers.
- Prepare proposals, quotations, pricing packages, and commercial agreements.
- Negotiate equipment sales, service agreements, and strategic partnerships while protecting company interests.
- Manage opportunities through the full sales cycle from initial contact to signed agreement.
- Collaborate with operational and technical teams to ensure customer requirements are clearly communicated and successfully delivered.
Customer Onboarding & Account Growth
- Coordinate customer onboarding activities following equipment sales.
- Support a seamless transition from sale to implementation and training.
- Maintain strong customer relationships post-sale to encourage repeat business and referrals.
- Identify opportunities for additional equipment sales, upgrades, service offerings, and long-term account growth.
Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate CRM records and sales forecasting.
- Participate in regular sales and leadership meetings.
- Track industry intelligence, competitor activity, and market trends.
- Provide monthly reporting on pipeline health, sales activity, revenue opportunities, and forecasted equipment sales.
Qualifications
- Proven success in business development, sales, or account management roles.
- Strong ability to build relationships and establish credibility with customers and industry stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience managing opportunities through a complete sales cycle.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
- Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable with frequent travel throughout Canada and the United States.
Preferred Experience
- 3+ years of business development or sales experience.
- Experience within agriculture, drones/UAVs, aviation, industrial equipment, precision agriculture, environmental services, forestry, aerospace, construction, or related industries.
- Experience selling technical solutions, equipment, technology platforms, or professional services.
- Familiarity with agricultural spraying, crop protection, precision agriculture, or aerial application is considered an asset.
- Experience attending trade shows and industry conferences to generate leads and build strategic relationships.
- CRM experience (HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar platforms).
Key Competencies
- Business Development
- Strategic Prospecting
- Lead Generation
- Solution Selling
- Contract Negotiation
- Commercial Strategy
- Relationship Management
- Customer Engagement
- Market Development
- Presentation Skills
- Proposal Development
- Agricultural Industry Knowledge
- Heavy Lift Drone Technology
- Pipeline Management
- CRM Management
Compensation Structure
Base Salary: $80,000 annually
On-Target Earnings (OTE): Approximately $145,000 annually
Commission Program
Commission will be tied primarily to:
- Agricultural drone equipment sales
- Accessory and technology package sales
- Service and support agreements sold
- Strategic distribution and reseller partnerships developed
- Achievement of annual sales targets and revenue milestones
Pay: $80,000.00-$145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge, ON
