Senior Manager, Business Development

Ovative Group

. Own end-to-end deal strategy for assigned new business opportunities from discovery and qualification through proposal, negotiation, and close .

Posted 11/1/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $125,000 - $175,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading end-to-end deal strategies and competitive pursuits in marketing services or advertising technology. Proficient in synthesizing business needs into compelling proposals and presentations while managing cross-functional teams and multiple simultaneous projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development ExperienceCompetitive Pursuit LeadershipProposal Writing and Presentation SkillsCommercial Understanding of Marketing ServicesCRM Platform Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal WritingRFP ManagementSales Process LeadershipNegotiation SkillsBusiness Strategy Development

Soft Skills

StorytellingInfluential LeadershipTeam CollaborationTime ManagementAccountability

Tools & Technologies

CRM PlatformsHubSpotAI Tools

Industry Keywords

Marketing ServicesAdvertising TechnologyFull-Funnel MediaCreativeMarketing Measurement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own end-to-end deal strategy for assigned new business opportunities from discovery and qualification through proposal, negotiation, and close
Lead competitive RFP processes and informal pursuits
Learn prospect needs, define Ovative’s right to win, and shape recommendations, scope, and commercial approach
Lead pursuit teams and partner with senior leaders across media, measurement, commerce, creative, technology, and Client Services
Lead qualification and discovery; assess decision makers, buying criteria, competitive alternatives, and investment priorities
Translate business needs into integrated recommendations and synthesize expert contributions into persuasive narratives
Set priorities, decision points, roles, and asks; resolve competing perspectives and hold contributors accountable
Build presenter teams, lead rehearsals, coach presenters, and prepare for tough questions
Write and shape RFIs, RFPs, proposals, and pitch presentations
Partner with content and design teammates to tailor clear, distinctive, and accurate responses
Partner with Finance, Legal, Client Services, and practice leaders on scope, staffing, pricing, negotiations, and signed agreements
Maintain deal status, risks, and revenue timing in the CRM
Capture win/loss lessons and reusable proof; use AI and shared tools to improve pursuit speed and quality while protecting confidentiality and checking accuracy
Share practical feedback and help teammates on active pursuits

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years of relevant professional experience
Direct business development experience in marketing services or advertising technology (adtech) required
Demonstrated track record of leading competitive pursuits and closing new business
Experience independently leading sales or pitch processes involving multiple decision makers and cross-functional teams
Strong commercial understanding of marketing services or adtech, including scope, pricing, and value
Excellent writing, storytelling, and presentation skills
Ability to lead through influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively
Ability to manage simultaneous pursuits at a fast pace and deliver high-quality work against tight deadlines
Business development experience at a media agency preferred
Experience with agency search consultants, procurement-led reviews, and complex services agreements preferred
Familiarity with full-funnel media, commerce or retail media, creative, marketing measurement, technology, and AI preferred
Experience using CRM platforms such as HubSpot and AI tools preferred
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer on a full-time basis, without current or future need for visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual bonus opportunity of 25% of base salary
Flexible work arrangement with office and remote days
Access to all office spaces in MSP, NYC, and CHI
Frequent, paid travel to Minneapolis headquarters for company and team events and in-person collaboration
Generous paid vacation policy
401k match program
Top-notch health insurance options, inclusive of same sex partners
Family formation benefits including reimbursement options for fertility, pregnancy, and parenting needs
Monthly stipend for mobile phone and data plan
Sabbatical program
Charitable giving via time and financial match program
Shenanigan’s Day