Business Development Executive

Business Development Executive, Landscape Installation

Location: Fort Myers, FL; Market-based

Reports To: Sales Leader, Installation

Division: Installation, Sales

Sunrise Landscape, an established commercial landscape organization for more than 40 years, is excited by our vision to deliver excellent customer service in the areas of landscape design, installation and maintenance to our clients with the help of our 1,000 employees. We are proud to have achieved the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 honor and are continuing to build a great place to work with a commitment to landscape and service excellence.

Position Summary

The Business Development Executive, Landscape Installation is responsible for driving profitable revenue growth for Sunrise Landscape’s installation and construction division. This role focuses on selling complex commercial and residential landscape installation projects, from initial client engagement through contract execution and project handoff.

The BDE partners closely with design, estimating, pre-construction, and operations teams to develop winning proposals, ensure accurate project scoping, and deliver a seamless transition from sale to execution. This position plays a critical role in expanding Sunrise’s installation pipeline, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring projects are sold with strong margins, clear scopes, and executable timelines.

The ideal candidate is a consultative, construction-savvy sales professional with experience selling project-based services, interpreting landscape designs and construction documents, and navigating multi-stakeholder buying environments.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Revenue Growth

· Drive new installation revenue growth across commercial and residential markets.

· Identify, pursue, and close qualified landscape installation opportunities aligned with company strategy.

· Build and maintain a strong pipeline of installation projects to support growth targets.

· Consistently meet or exceed individual sales, revenue, and margin goals.

Client Development & Relationship Management

· Serve as the primary relationship owner during the sales and pre-construction phases.

· Build trusted relationships with property owners, developers, general contractors, architects, and designers.

· Lead client meetings, site walks, and presentations to understand project needs and expectations.

· Position Sunrise as a professional, solutions-oriented installation partner.

Pre-Construction, Design & Estimating Collaboration

· Partner closely with design, estimating, and pre-construction teams to develop accurate, competitive proposals.

· Ensure clear understanding of landscape designs, plans, specifications, and site conditions.

· Contribute to bid strategy, pricing discussions, and value engineering efforts.

· Ensure scopes of work, assumptions, exclusions, and timelines are clearly defined and documented.

Proposal, Contracting & Deal Management

· Lead proposal development, review, and presentation to clients.

· Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms in alignment with margin and risk guidelines.

· Secure executed contracts and deposits in accordance with company policy.

· Ensure clean, thorough handoff to operations and project management teams.

Internal Collaboration & Accountability

· Work closely with the Head of Installation Sales to align pipeline, forecasting, and priorities.

· Maintain accurate CRM data, forecasts, and reporting.

· Participate in sales reviews, pipeline meetings, and strategy sessions.

· Uphold Sunrise standards for professionalism, accuracy, and follow-through.

Required Qualifications & Experience

· 7–12 years of sales experience in landscape installation, construction, or project-based services preferred.

· Proven track record of selling complex, high-value projects with multiple stakeholders.

· Strong understanding of landscape construction, installation processes, and project lifecycles.

· Ability to read and interpret landscape designs, construction drawings, and specifications.

· Experience partnering with estimating, design, and operations teams.

· Strong financial acumen, including pricing, margins, and contract terms.

· Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

· Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail.

· Experience using CRM and proposal management tools.

· Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.

Compensation

Compensation for this role will be market competitive and commensurate with experience and include both a base salary and sales commission. Sunrise also offers a medical, dental and vision plans, 401k matching and attractive paid time away programs.