New Business Specialist

NiSource • Columbus, OH

6d • $62,000 - $86,800

About The Position

The New Business Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for prospective customers and plays a critical role in achieving New Customer Addition and revenue goals. This role is responsible for answering the company’s toll‑free New Business line and responding to customer inquiries related to new service opportunities. The Specialist secures customer commitment to utilize natural gas solutions over alternative fuels by providing expert guidance throughout the customer onboarding process. This position proactively manages new business opportunities across assigned territories while delivering exceptional customer service supported by strong knowledge of the natural gas industry and both residential and commercial equipment applications. The New Business Specialist is highly detail‑oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities, adapting quickly to changing business needs, and maintaining accuracy in a fast‑paced environment. The role requires a thorough understanding of utility construction practices to accurately assess customer requirements, develop cost estimates, and clearly communicate project scope, timelines, and requirements. The Specialist works closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure efficient project execution, effective communication, and high levels of customer satisfaction. As an active member of the New Business team, the New Business Specialist promotes continuous learning and improvement, supports strategic initiatives, and contributes to a collaborative culture focused on driving sustainable growth and increased customer additions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or relevant experience.
• Zero (0) to one (1) year of experience in gas and electric distribution work management principles.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Basic knowledge of energy products, services, end-use applications
• Strong computing skills including but not limited to the Microsoft 365.
• Exercises independent judgment and initiates solutions.
• Ability to work collaboratively to accomplish business goals.
• Excellent problem solving & decision making skills
• Ability to meet pressured deadlines within time constraints.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Travel may be required.
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Prior utility experience
• Ability to read/interpret construction prints, understand and apply basic surveying principles.

Responsibilities

• Accurately designs and manages the order management of customer requested gas and electric services, upgrades, relocates and other New Business cases; utilizes effective techniques for planning and tracking.
• Reviews CAD drawings, prepares permits, easements, other miscellaneous documents for the design of gas and electric New Business cases.
• Assesses customer requirements and expectations to recommend specific products and solutions.
• Encourages conversion from alternate fuels to natural gas.
• Analyzes project parameters and determines factors and recommendations for contract preparation.
• Determines contract parameters in a manner that satisfies customers and complies with regulatory policies.
• Manages customer requirements from the initial needs to the final delivery of gas and electric utilities.
• Provides an exceptional level of customer service in-person, via telephone, and electronic communication.
• Provides solutions that effectively meet the needs of the customer and Company while complying with all applicable standards.
• Calculates commercial hourly demand and annual fuel utilization.
• Develops positive working relationships with internal and external customers and stakeholders through both direct and indirect communications.
• Assists in the restoration efforts of customer power outages.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level