Business Development Specialist I

Interstate Batteries•Jackson, MS

12d

About The Position

The Business Development Specialist I drives profitable growth in existing accounts and acquires new business within an assigned territory. As the primary sales leader in the Distributor, this role works closely with internal teams and customers to grow accounts and ensure customer satisfaction. The role includes frequent territory travel, customer visits, new-customer setup, dealer education, business reviews, sales pipeline management, and achieving sales targets. Compensation includes a base salary plus variable compensation tied to sales performance. The position covers a designated geographic territory and involves frequent travel to customer sites, interaction with internal departments and external customers, and work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The schedule is flexible based on client availability and may include occasional evening or weekend events. The role also involves physical activity and exposure to warehouse and road hazards.

Requirements

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent customer service skills and a results-driven mindset.
Strong negotiation and closing skills, with the ability to meet or exceed sales quotas.
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while covering a designated area.
Concise and professional written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel.
Clean driving record, ability to meet driver qualification requirements, and reliable transportation.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance and occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.
Ability to sit, walk, and stand frequently throughout the work schedule.
Specific vision abilities including close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent travel.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of business-to-business sales experience.
Experience in outside sales, business development, or field-based account management.
Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop sales.
Experience with Salesforce, Concur, Workday, and/or Tableau.

Responsibilities

Identify, qualify, pursue, and acquire new Traditional Independent Licensed Dealer and Non-Mandated National Account customers for the Distributor.
Travel regularly within the assigned territory to engage with dealers and visit customer locations.
Set up new customers with racks, batteries, point-of-purchase materials, and testers; ensure they are on route, have proper documentation, and understand the company's programs, products, and services.
Educate dealers about relevant programs, products, development opportunities, and available training.
Develop an assigned customer list of approximately 100 identified growth dealers.
Maintain relationships with new and existing dealers through in-person meetings, site visits, and networking events.
Conduct business reviews for growth dealers, covering performance, opportunities, and recommended action plans.
Assist with additional dealer visits as needed.
Use Salesforce daily for prospecting, pipeline development, activity documentation, and closing business.
Communicate pricing actions to operation dealers; review monthly Gross Profit reports and respond when required.
Assist with accounts receivable collection calls and customer visits as needed.
Complete at least 40 in-person sales calls per week, including prospecting, proposal presentations, and existing-dealer calls focused on growth opportunities.
Visit NAC dealer locations based on company needs.
Meet or exceed targets for new unit sales production, growth dealer goals, and average price per unit sold.
Respond to and manage dealer issues and complaints.
Collaborate with Market General Managers, Assistant Market General Managers, Route Sales Managers, and Office and Warehouse Team Members to support customer satisfaction and account growth.
Operate with integrity and demonstrate a positive attitude.