Strategic Business Development Executive – Sports Industry

ObjectStyle is a global custom software development firm with deep experience serving professional sports organizations and other high-performance environments. Since 2002, ObjectStyle has been the trusted technology partner behind the scenes for some of the most respected names in sports, modernizing systems, solving complex problems, and delivering long-term results with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

POSITION SUMMARY
ObjectStyle is seeking its first dedicated sales hire, a Strategic Business Development Executive, to pioneer our go-to-market efforts in the professional sports industry. This role will build relationships with key decision-makers, uncover opportunities, and translate complex software capabilities into business value that drives measurable results. The ideal candidate has deep sports-industry connections, a passion for technology, and a consultative, relationship-driven approach that inspires trust and confidence. As the external face of ObjectStyle, this person will lead the full sales cycle, guiding prospects from initial conversation to signed agreement while shaping how we grow in this market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning & Accountability: Executing a systematic approach to sales planning, holding themself accountable for meeting sales targets including:

• Developing and executing a strategic sales plan that identifies high-potential target accounts, prioritizes key activities, and establishes measurable milestones aligned with company objectives.
• Building and managing a qualified pipeline—primarily self-generated—by focusing on high-value prospects based on fit, urgency, and potential impact.
• Continuously reviewing and refining the sales plan, using data-driven insights to adjust strategies, address performance gaps, and communicate progress, while proactively reporting pipeline changes.

Sales Process:  Driving new revenue growth through personal efforts, by articulating the value of ObjectStyle to prospective customers and closing sales.  This includes:

• Proactively driving new business through introductions, referrals, and targeted outreach, using tailored research and multi-channel engagement to build and maintain a qualified pipeline of high value opportunities. 
• Leading discovery conversations and workshops to uncover client needs, clarify decision drivers, and position ObjectStyle’s value while engaging internal experts and removing obstacles to build trust.
• Collaborating with internal teams to scope, price, and present tailored solutions, and building credibility with decision-makers by handling objections and demonstrating measurable impact.
• Driving deals to close by creating urgency, managing approvals, and securing commitment, while ensuring a smooth handoff into execution, and positioning ObjectStyle as a long-term partner for growth and referrals.

Managing Up:  Maintaining proactive, transparent communication with leadership by providing progress updates, market insights, and strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making.

• Providing clear, data-backed updates on key opportunities, risks, roadblocks, and wins, delivering accurate forecasts and pipeline reports to keep leadership aligned.
• Monitoring industry trends, buyer behaviors, and competitive activity to surface actionable insights and recommending innovative strategies for improving sales processes or expanding markets.
• Fostering alignment by clarifying priorities, implementing feedback quickly, and keeping open communication with technical and project teams for a cross-functional perspective.
• Applying strong business acumen to balance customer needs with profitability and operational trade-offs, engaging leadership when strategic decisions are required.

Client Success & Retention:  Building trust-based, long-term relationships that extend well beyond the initial sale, by proactively supporting clients, delivering consistent value, clear communication, and a high-quality experiences aligned with ObjectStyle’s standards.

• Providing strategic, value-driven guidance through regular business reviews, proactive communication and follow-up, and tailored recommendations that help clients achieve goals, optimize technology investments, and expand engagements.
• Acting as a strategic partner to clients—advising, educating, and advocating on their behalf.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:  Partnering closely with internal teams to deliver seamless client experiences and drive strategic growth opportunities.

• Leading smooth handoffs and project kick-offs by aligning internal and client teams on scope, deliverables, and expectations, while ensuring continuity, clarity, and collaboration across functions.
• Reinforcing long-term success by refining handoff processes, sharing client insights with marketing, and following up post-transition to confirm satisfaction, strengthen partnerships, and identify growth opportunities.

Networking & Industry Presence:  Actively engaging with industry professionals, associations, and events to build relationships, generate leads, and position ObjectStyle as a trusted leader.

• Developing strategic networks by leveraging events, referrals, and client relationships to build credibility, alliances, and new opportunities within the sports and software ecosystem.
• Strengthening market insight by tracking trends, competitor moves, and emerging technologies.

Forecasting & Data Management:

• Maintaining accurate and timely records of client interactions, opportunities, and forecasts
• Providing regular updates to leadership on pipeline health and sales performance
• Capturing key business intelligence from prospects to drive future sales strategy

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven consultative sales expertise with 5+ years of success in complex B2B environments and a strong track record of driving growth through relationship selling.
• Established sports industry network with insider knowledge and the ability to quickly build credibility and open doors with teams, leagues, and vendors.
• Technology/software fluency and experience working with technical teams to translate customer needs into tailored software solutions.
• Stakeholder management skills, demonstrating success navigating complex buying processes, influencing executives, and engaging diverse decision-makers.
• Strategic hunter mindset that blends proactive prospecting, trust-building, and a growth orientation to uncover and expand opportunities.
• Strong communicator and problem-solver with business acumen, resilience under pressure, and the ability to present solutions, handle objections, and create win-win outcomes.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Pipeline growth and deal velocity aligned with ObjectSyle’s revenue goals
• Seamless client transitions with high satisfaction ratings
• Strong internal collaboration and consistent communication with leadership
• Deepening industry presence and expansion of ObjectStyle’s market footprint