Professional Development Associate Jobs in Tennessee

Position Overview

The Associate Business Development Manager (ABDM) is a developmental sales position designed to build the next generation of Business Development Managers at Cascade Financial Services.

This role is ideal for highly motivated individuals who are passionate about sales, relationship building, business growth, and professional development. As an Associate BDM, you will work alongside experienced Business Development Managers and Sales Leaders to learn the manufactured housing industry, develop business development skills, and gain hands-on experience supporting retailer and community relationships.

Through a structured training and mentorship program, Associates will develop the knowledge, market expertise, and relationship management skills necessary to advance into a Business Development Manager role and eventually assume responsibility for a territory of their own.

This is more than a job—it's a career path into sales leadership within one of the nation's leading manufactured housing lenders.

Why Join Cascade?

For more than 25 years, Cascade Financial Services has helped families achieve homeownership through innovative financing solutions designed specifically for the manufactured housing industry. We have built one of the industry's strongest retailer networks, most diverse lending platforms, and most experienced lending organizations.

As an Associate BDM, you'll gain exposure to:

• Manufactured housing retailers and communities.

• Territory management and market development.

• Sales strategy and business planning.

• Mortgage and consumer lending products.

• Relationship management and partner development.

• Executive presentations and sales leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration with Origination and Operations teams.

Most importantly, you'll gain a clearly defined career path with opportunities to advance into Business Development and Sales Leadership positions.

What You'll Do

Business Development Support

• Partner with Senior Business Development Managers to support territory growth initiatives and partner development efforts.

• Assist with identifying new retailer, community, builder, and referral opportunities within assigned markets.

• Support onboarding efforts for new business partners.

• Conduct follow-up communication with prospective and existing partners.

• Participate in retailer visits, business reviews, and relationship-building activities.

Sales & Market Development

• Learn Cascade's products, financing programs, and competitive advantages.

• Develop an understanding of territory planning, market development, and pipeline management.

• Research market opportunities and competitive activity.

• Assist with lead generation and prospect development efforts.

• Support territory business plans focused on increasing applications and loan volume.

Relationship Management

• Build professional relationships with retailers, communities, and referral partners.

• Provide exceptional service and support to existing business partners.

• Assist in resolving partner questions and identifying business opportunities.

• Learn consultative selling techniques and partner relationship management strategies.

Industry & Professional Development

• Participate in industry meetings, conferences, training events, and trade shows.

• Develop presentation and public speaking skills.

• Assist in training retailer personnel on Cascade products, programs, and processes.

• Build expertise in manufactured housing finance and lending solutions.

What You'll Need to Join Cascade

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Self-motivated with a desire to learn and grow professionally.

• Strong customer service mindset and positive attitude.

• Willingness to travel within assigned territory.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Manufactured housing retail, community, lender, or supplier experience.

• Mortgage, banking, finance, automotive finance, or indirect lending experience.

• Sales, business development, account management, or customer-facing experience.

• Experience working with CRM platforms and Microsoft Office products.

• Experience presenting to individuals or groups.

Who Thrives in This Role?

We're looking for individuals who:

• Want to build a long-term career in sales and business development.

• Enjoy meeting new people and building relationships.

• Are competitive, ambitious, and goal-oriented.

• Take initiative and embrace challenges.

• Have a strong desire to learn and continuously improve.

• Are excited by the opportunity to grow into leadership roles.

• Want to make a meaningful impact in helping families achieve homeownership.

Training & Development Program

At Cascade, we do not expect Associate BDMs to arrive with years of business development experience. We hire for future potential and invest heavily in development.

Our Associate BDM Development Program includes:

Structured Onboarding

• Comprehensive introduction to manufactured housing lending.

• Product, systems, compliance, and sales training.

• Exposure to all phases of the customer and partner journey.

Direct Mentorship

• One-on-one coaching from experienced Business Development Managers.

• Ongoing guidance from Regional Sales Leaders.

• Real-world field training and partner engagement experience.

Cross-Functional Learning

• Exposure to Processing, Underwriting, Closing, Funding, and Origination teams.

• Understanding of the full mortgage lifecycle.

• Development of lending and operational knowledge.

Leadership Development

• Territory planning and business strategy training.

• Sales presentation and communication coaching.

• Relationship management and consultative selling techniques.

• Development opportunities designed to prepare high-performing Associates for promotion into Business Development Manager positions.

Compensation and Benefits

• Cascade offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Base salary plus performance-based incentive opportunity.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off and company holidays.

• Professional development opportunities.

• Career advancement within a growing national organization.