Sr. Business Development Manager
WFA Digital Insight
As the demand for digital transformation in the utility and heavy industrial sectors continues to rise, companies like Southern States, LLC are looking for seasoned professionals to drive strategic revenue growth. With a growth rate of 25% in the past year, the need for experienced business development managers with expertise in Salesforce and utility-class electrical equipment is more pressing than ever. This role stands out for its focus on developing and executing a comprehensive regional growth strategy, making it an attractive opportunity for those who can navigate complex sales cycles and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. Before applying, candidates should be aware that a strong understanding of transmission and distribution systems, as well as experience with CRM software, is essential.
Job Description
About the Role
The Senior Business Development Manager will play a crucial role in driving strategic revenue growth within the electric utility and heavy industrial sectors. This will involve developing and executing a comprehensive regional growth strategy, tailored to the unique needs of these markets. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the complex sales cycles and stakeholder relationships that exist within these sectors.Day-to-day, the Senior Business Development Manager will be responsible for managing a robust project pipeline, identifying new market opportunities, and cultivating deep key account relationships. This will require a strong ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, influence project specifications at an early stage, and position company solutions as the preferred choice.
The Senior Business Development Manager will be part of a dynamic team, working closely with cross-functional stakeholders to drive business growth and expand market share.
What You Will Do
- Develop and execute a comprehensive regional growth strategy for the utility and heavy industrial markets
- Identify new market opportunities and cultivate deep key account relationships
- Manage and track a robust project pipeline with a 12-36 month horizon
- Proactively position company solutions at the pre-specification stage, early in the project lifecycle
- Build and sustain executive-level relationships with key stakeholders across utility engineering and procurement teams
- Act as a trusted advisor, offering expertise on system reliability, power quality, and grid compliance solutions
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop compelling proposals and effective bid strategies
- Provide support for RFP/RFQ responses and lead commercial negotiations
- Continuously monitor industry trends to identify unmet needs and inform the development of new products and solutions
- Track interconnection queues, capital budgets, regulatory filings, and infrastructure investments
- Identify competitive threats and market gaps to refine strategic approaches
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, with Electrical Engineering preferred
- 10+ years of progressive experience in one or more of the following: electrical utility sales, oil and gas/petro-chemical industry, heavy industrial power systems, T&D equipment sales
- Proven track record of successfully closing multi-million dollar capital equipment deals
- Strong understanding of transmission and distribution systems, substation design and equipment, and utility procurement processes
- Ability to effectively manage long sales cycles, typically 6-36 months
- Proficiency in CRM software, such as Salesforce
- Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
Nice to Have
- Direct experience selling MV/HV switchgear and substation-class switches, FACTS devices, HV/MV capacitor banks, and substation automation solutions
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulations, including NERC, FERC, IEEE, and other relevant utility standards
- Familiarity with EPC bidding structures and interconnection processes, such as ERCOT, CAISO, PJM
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
- Remote work stipend and flexible work arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools, including Salesforce and other industry-leading software
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
How to Stand Out
- Familiarize yourself with the company's products and services, including utility-class electrical equipment and engineered power solutions, to demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm.
- Highlight your experience with CRM software, such as Salesforce, and be prepared to provide specific examples of how you have used it to drive sales growth and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
- Emphasize your ability to navigate complex sales cycles and build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including utility engineering and procurement teams.
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of transmission and distribution systems, substation design and equipment, and utility procurement processes, and provide specific examples of how you have applied this knowledge in previous roles.
- Show a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends, and be prepared to discuss how you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
- Use language from the job description in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
- Prepare to provide specific examples of your accomplishments and experience, rather than just listing your job responsibilities
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