Business Development Specialist I

Purpose of Job

The Business Development Specialist I drives profitable existing account growth with a strategic group of customers as well as new business acquisitions within their assigned territory. They serve as the primary sales leader for the Distributor and collaborate closely with their team.

• Identify, qualify, pursue, and land new Traditional Independent Licensed Dealer (ILD) and Non-Mandated National Account Customers (NAC) for the Distributor.
• Travel regularly within the assigned territory to engage with dealers.
• Physically set up new customers with racks, batteries, point‑of‑purchase, and testers; ensure they are on route, have proper documentation, and answer all questions regarding our program, products, and services.
• Educate dealers on all relevant programs, products, development opportunities, and available training provided by Interstate.
• Develop an assigned customer list of 100+ growth dealers.
• Maintain relationships with new and existing dealers through in‑person meetings, site visits and networking events.
• Execute business reviews on growth dealers, including current performance, identified opportunities and recommended plans to capitalize on those opportunities.
• Assist with any additional dealer visits beyond growth dealers as needed.
• Leverage Salesforce daily for prospecting, pipeline development, documentation of activity and closing/winning business.
• Communicate pricing actions to operation dealers; review monthly Gross Profit report and react when required.
• Assist with Accounts Receivable collection calls and customer visits as needed.
• Maintain a minimum of 40 in‑person sales calls per week (prospecting for new business, proposal presentations, and existing dealer calls focused on growth opportunities).
• Visit NAC dealer locations within the market based on company needs.
• Meet or exceed established targets, including new unit sales production, growth dealer goals and average price per unit sold.
• Respond to and manage dealer issues and complaints.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Market General Managers, Assistant Market General Managers, Route Sales Managers, and Office and Warehouse Team Members) to ensure customer satisfaction and account growth.

• 1–2 years of Business‑to‑Business sales experience preferred.
• Proven experience in outside sales, business development, or field‑based account management preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop sales.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent customer service skills coupled with 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 MS Office and Excel required.
• Experience with Salesforce, Concur, Workday and/or Tableau preferred.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment with frequent travel.
• Must have a clean driver’s record, meet driver qualification requirements and reliable transportation.

Cover a designated geographic territory with frequent travel to customer sites. Interface with various internal departments and external customers. Compensation includes base salary plus variable compensation, with earnings tied to sales performance.

• Regularly lift up to 50 lbs without assistance and occasionally up to 75 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, walking and standing for the duration of the work schedule.
• Require normal visual acuity with depth perception and focus adjustment.
• Exposure to battery warehouse conditions (moving equipment, mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals).
• Exposure to road hazards when operating or riding in a vehicle.
• Flexible work schedule based on client availability, including occasional evening or weekend events.

• Health:
  Comprehensive healthcare benefits, company‑supported wellness program, onsite fitness center (benefits vary by office).
• Career:
  Wide range of professional development opportunities, training, resources and tools.
• M…