Application Guide

How to Apply for Business Development Representative

at Runwise

🏢 About Runwise

Runwise is a climate-tech startup with a proven track record, having already implemented its smart boiler and heating management systems in 8,000+ buildings across the US. What makes Runwise unique is its dual impact: delivering substantial cost savings (20-25% reduction in fuel use) while making a measurable environmental difference (removing the equivalent of 100,000 cars' worth of carbon emissions annually). This mission-driven focus on real estate energy efficiency creates a compelling workplace for those wanting to combine commercial success with climate action.

About This Role

As a Business Development Representative at Runwise, you'll own a portfolio of 150 major real estate accounts—half existing customers, half prospects—working alongside a Senior Account Executive to drive portfolio expansion and new business. This role involves strategic prospecting within complex real estate organizations, developing sales pitches and proposals, and directly contributing to a substantial portion of company revenue. You'll be instrumental in deepening relationships with 'the biggest names in Real Estate' while advancing Runwise's mission to reduce carbon emissions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves researching and prospecting within your assigned 150 real estate accounts, using LinkedIn to identify key contacts in property management and sustainability roles. You'll collaborate with your paired Senior Account Executive to develop targeted outreach strategies, prepare sales materials for portfolio expansion discussions with existing customers, and craft proposals for new business opportunities. The day balances independent research and outreach with joint strategy sessions to advance conversations toward revenue-generating opportunities.

🎯 Who Runwise Is Looking For

  • Has 3-5 years as an SDR, Account Manager, or Account Executive with experience in B2B sales, preferably in real estate, proptech, or energy sectors
  • Demonstrates exceptional communication skills with proven ability to navigate complex organizational structures and identify key decision-makers in large real estate firms
  • Is adept at working independently while collaborating effectively with Senior Account Executives, showing initiative in a fast-paced startup environment
  • Has strong technical proficiency with LinkedIn for strategic prospecting, Google Suite, and preferably CRM experience to manage the 150-account portfolio

📝 Tips for Applying to Runwise

1

Quantify your 3-5 years of SDR/Account Manager experience with specific metrics—mention how many accounts you managed, outreach volume, conversion rates, or revenue contribution

2

Highlight any real estate, property management, or energy efficiency industry knowledge in your resume, even if tangential—Runwise specifically targets 'the biggest names in Real Estate'

3

Demonstrate your understanding of Runwise's dual value proposition by mentioning both cost savings (20-25% fuel reduction) and carbon impact (100,000 cars equivalent) in your application

4

Showcase your ability to work with senior team members by describing specific collaborations with Account Executives or senior sales staff in previous roles

5

Include examples of how you've used LinkedIn for strategic prospecting, not just basic outreach—Runwise emphasizes breaking into 'complex organizations'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express specific enthusiasm for Runwise's climate-tech mission and how your experience aligns with helping real estate companies reduce both costs and carbon emissions", "Detail your experience managing account portfolios (mention if you've handled 100+ accounts) and your approach to balancing existing customer expansion with new business development", "Provide a brief example of how you've successfully partnered with Senior Account Executives or sales leaders to close business or develop proposals", "Demonstrate your understanding of the real estate industry's organizational structures and decision-making processes for energy-related purchases"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Study Runwise's case studies or customer testimonials to understand their impact on specific real estate portfolios and be prepared to discuss
  • Research major real estate companies in the US (like CBRE, JLL, Greystar, etc.) to understand their sustainability initiatives and potential pain points Runwise could address
  • Learn about boiler and heating systems in commercial buildings to better understand the technical aspects of Runwise's solution
  • Explore the climate-tech and proptech landscapes to understand Runwise's competitive positioning and market trends

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would approach prospecting within a large real estate organization with multiple decision-makers and departments
2 Describe your experience working with Senior Account Executives—how do you divide responsibilities and collaborate on opportunities?
3 How would you explain Runwise's value proposition to a real estate company focused primarily on cost savings versus one emphasizing sustainability goals?
4 What strategies have you used to expand business within existing customer accounts versus acquiring completely new customers?
5 How do you use LinkedIn and other tools to research and identify key contacts in complex organizations?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic sales experience without demonstrating specific knowledge of or interest in real estate, property management, or energy efficiency
  • Failing to show how you've successfully managed a portfolio of accounts—Runwise specifically mentions owning 150 accounts
  • Not demonstrating the ability to work both independently and collaboratively—the role requires balancing autonomy with close partnership with Senior Account Executives

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Runwise!