Business Development Manager, Commercial Sales (Electricity/Natural Gas)

Company: Spark Energy, LLC

Title: Business Development Manager, Commercial Sales

Location: Houston, Texas - Corporate Office (this role requires an on-site/in-office work schedule)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Via Renewables was founded as Spark Energy in 1999 in Houston, Texas, and quickly became one of the pioneers of the retail energy industry. Since then, it has been established as one of the most dependable and trusted electricity providers and natural gas companies in the country, serving customers in 102 utilities across 20 states.

JOB SUMMARY
The Business Development Manager role is responsible for generating both electricity and natural gas sales contracts for the commercial market sectors via indirect channels, consisting of aggregators, brokers, and consultants (ABCs). This individual will be directly responsible for identifying, qualifying, and selling to ABCs in the deregulated electricity and natural gas markets, and closing small and medium commercial customers. In addition, this role will manage successful customer accounts during and after the sales process.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
• Manage a sound sales plan for existing and new ABCs, selling commercial retail electricity and natural gas accounts across selected markets, including the preparation of account development plans for those accounts and regions
• Develop sales and proposal presentations, coordinate contract negotiations, and manage customer accounts
• Respond to all bid types on time, including standard price requests and RFPs
• Apply market and account skills necessary for dealing with specific target audiences
• Utilize and understand both matrix and custom generated pricing for opportunities
• Identify and make sales presentations to ABCs for the delivery of electricity and natural gas sales to C&I customers across all markets
• Produce weekly sales management reports
• Complete training commensurate with the position
• Identify and help resolve client issues
• Assist with any necessary collection efforts on assigned accounts
• Generate business that meets or exceeds quota
• Ensure excellent customer service and account management, providing pre and post sales support
• Support the marketing activity by staffing key industry events in the region, and providing local market knowledge to the marketing management team
• Provide feedback to management on the company's strengths and weaknesses in the marketplace
• Stay abreast of competitor's activities and opportunities to provide new products or services to generate additional profitable sales
• Act as a team member with all employees across a variety of departments
• Comply with all company policies and procedures
• Entertainment during and after hours of ABCs and clients as necessary and appropriate
• Additional responsibilities as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• 2 years experience in sales prospecting, both face-to-face and phone cold calling
• High school diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or relevant field of study preferred
• Knowledge of the deregulated electricity and/or natural gas markets, including fixed and index product structures, pricing components, and contractual provisions strongly preferred
• Ability to quickly qualify new customers
• Proven track record of sales experience, including customer relationship/confidence building, retention, and strong sales contract closing techniques
• Willingness to work aggressively to succeed in adding new electricity and natural gas sales contracts within a competitive marketplace
• Must possess a strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and be able to work well independently
• Ability to establish business goals and diligently work towards achieving them in a reasonable time frame
• Ability to manage many separate relationships across various ABCs, as well as multiple relationships within ABC organizations
• Ability to interact with executive level decision makers
• Ability to use good judgment when utilizing company funds for travel and client entertainment required to generate sales
• Must be self directed and learn business and new products quickly
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating and managing internal technical resources with customer needs and opportunities to successfully consummate retail electricity and natural gas deals
• Valid driver's license required
• Must be able to work a minimum of 40 hours per week, with the ability to work flexible work hours as needed

ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Ability to meet highest attendance requirements
• Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to use personal computer, calculator, etc.
• Could involve some lifting up to 20 pounds
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time without much movement
• Ability to work in time-sensitive environment with non-flexible deadlines
• All candidates must have the ability to speak, read and write English

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Via Renewables is an equal opportunity employer.

"We are currently managing our staffing needs internally. Please, no recruiting firm or staffing firm candidates. Consideration will not be given to candidates who have not directly completed an employment application. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. We are not adding to our limited list of currently approved vendors. Please refrain from contacting us or any employees regarding staffing or recruitment opportunities."