Business Development Manager – Procurement Department - PACE

Compensation: $90,000 to $100,000 annual plus excellent benefits

*** This position is on-site in our DTLA HQ office ***

Program Summary:

The PACE Business Development Center (PACE BDC) promotes the economic growth and expansion of diverse Los Angeles communities by providing capital infusion, business consulting services, and financial literacy training. The Procurement Department within the BDC assists small businesses in securing contracts from government agencies and private sector companies. PACE is the only Southern California Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and also leads initiatives such as the ProcureLA program in partnership with the City of Los Angeles, aiming to prepare businesses for opportunities like the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
https://pacela.org/
https://pacelabdc.org/

Position Summary:

PACE is seeking an experienced and results-driven Business Development Manager to join our Procurement Department. The role will focus on identifying, pursuing, and securing new business opportunities, with a particular emphasis on supporting minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses in navigating the procurement landscape. The Business Development Manager will work closely with the Procurement team to forge partnerships, expand the program’s outreach, and develop strategies that enhance small businesses’ access to government and private sector contracts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Implement Business Development Strategies:
  • Identify new business opportunities and potential clients for the Procurement Department, particularly in underrepresented communities.
  • Develop and implement growth strategies that align with the procurement goals of the organization.
  • Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including prime contractors, government agencies, and private sector companies.
• Client Outreach and Recruitment:
  • Lead outreach efforts to recruit small businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses, to participate in the Procurement Program.
  • Establish a network of businesses that can benefit from PACE’s services and assist them in accessing procurement opportunities.
  • Conduct market research to identify industries or sectors with significant contract opportunities for small businesses.
• Business Coaching and Support:
  • Provide one-on-one business development coaching to small businesses, helping them enhance their capacity to compete for contracts.
  • Assist clients with business certifications (e.g., HUBZone, 8(a), DBE), registration on procurement platforms, proposal writing, and market positioning.
• Partnership Building:
  • Collaborate with prime contractors and procurement officers to create partnership opportunities for small businesses.
  • Engage with public and private sector organizations to develop relationships that facilitate subcontracting or joint ventures.
  • Work with local, state, and federal agencies to advocate for policies that support diverse business inclusion in procurement.
• Event and Workshop Coordination:
  • Plan and coordinate procurement workshops, networking events, and roundtables that connect small businesses with procurement opportunities.
  • Lead the delivery of workshops and educational programs aimed at preparing businesses for government and private contracts.
• Reporting and Metrics:
  • Track and report on key business development metrics, such as the number of businesses recruited, contracts secured, and client success stories.
  • Prepare regular reports for senior management on business development progress, client engagement, and program performance.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts and adjust strategies as necessary.
• Cross-Department Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with the Procurement Manager and other team members to ensure alignment between business development efforts and overall program goals.
  • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications teams to promote the program and recruit new clients through targeted outreach campaigns.

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, procurement, or a related field, with a focus on supporting small and diverse businesses.
• Strong understanding of government and private sector procurement processes, including proposal development, certifications, and contract negotiation.
• Proven track record of securing new business opportunities and building strategic partnerships.
• Experience working with minority- and women-owned businesses or in community development programs is a plus.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM systems (experience with Salesforce is preferred).
• Ability to conduct market research and analyze business trends.
• Experience in public speaking and leading workshops or training sessions.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in procurement or business development for a nonprofit or community development organization.
• Knowledge of the local procurement landscape in Los Angeles, especially in relation to government contracts.
• Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing minority- and women-owned businesses.

Other Requirements:

• Must have a valid Driver’s License, adequate automobile insurance coverage and an automobile in working condition; local travel may be required.
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.
• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check

Application Process:

• Please upload resume and complete PACE online application on our website https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position has been filled.

Physical Demands

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Development and Marketing Director. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, carry up to 30 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision