Business Development Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

I. Objectives

A. Develop, coordinate, and manage programs and initiatives that support First Electric Cooperative Corporation's business development, growth, member engagement, and strategic objectives.

B. Identify opportunities to expand services, strengthen strategic relationships, improve member value, and support the Cooperative's long-term business goals.

II. Reporting Relationships

A. Reports to the Chief Operating Officer

B. Directs and coordinates assigned business development programs, projects, and cross-functional teams as required.

III. Responsibilities and Authorities

A. Develops and manages business programs and projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.

a. Identifies opportunities for new or expanded programs, services, partnerships, and revenue-generating initiatives.

i. Conducts research and evaluates market, member, customer, and industry trends.

ii. Prepares recommendations, business cases, and implementation plans for management review.

b. Builds and maintains relationships with internal departments, members, businesses, community organizations, vendors, and strategic partners.

i. Represents the Cooperative at appropriate meetings, events, conferences, and community activities.

c. Coordinates business development projects across departments and monitors timelines, budgets, deliverables, and results.

d. Develops and maintains reports, metrics, and other tools used to measure program performance and business development activity.

e. Assists with strategic planning, business analysis, feasibility studies, and special projects assigned by management.

f. Identifies potential risks, challenges, and opportunities and recommends appropriate actions to management.

g. Maintains knowledge of electric utility industry trends, emerging technologies, and relevant regulatory or market developments.

IV. Essential Functions

A. Monitor program goals, performance measures, budgets, and outcomes; analyze trends and forecast future needs and results to support effective program planning and decision-making.

B. Develop relationships and partnerships that create value for the Cooperative and its members.

C. Research, analyze, and communicate business opportunities and recommendations to management.

D. Prepare presentations, reports, proposals, business cases, and other materials supporting business development initiatives.

E. Coordinate meetings and project teams and ensure follow-up on assigned actions.

F. Track program goals, performance measures, budgets, and outcomes.

G. Communicate effectively with employees, management, members, community partners, vendors, and other external stakeholders.

H. Maintain confidentiality of Cooperative information and exercise sound judgment in handling business and member information.

V. Other Functions

A. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by management.

B. Participates in Cooperative meetings, community activities, professional development, and industry events as appropriate.

C. Assists other departments when needed to support Cooperative objectives and member service.

VI. Relationships

A. Internal

a. Works closely with executive management and department leaders to identify, develop, and implement business opportunities and programs.

b. Maintains effective working relationships with employees throughout the Cooperative and coordinates cross-functional projects.

B. External

a. Membership: Develops positive relationships with members and seeks opportunities to improve member value and engagement.

b. General Public: Represents the Cooperative professionally in the community and promotes a positive image of First Electric.

c. Business and Community Partners: Develops and maintains relationships with businesses, economic development organizations, governmental entities, vendors, professional organizations, and other strategic partners.

VII. Wage and Salary

This position is an exempt position under the Wage and Hour law and overtime compensation is not required.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, economics, public administration, or a related field. Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in business development, project management, strategic planning, marketing, economic development, customer/member engagement, or a related field. Experience in the electric utility industry or a member-owned cooperative environment is preferred.

Job Knowledge

Knowledge of business development principles, project management practices, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting is required.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other business productivity tools necessary to prepare reports, presentations, budgets, and analyses.

Knowledge of the electric utility industry, cooperative principles, economic development, and emerging utility services is preferred.

Abilities and Skills

Ability to identify opportunities, analyze information, develop recommendations, and translate ideas into actionable programs.

Strong project management, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members, businesses, and vendors.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting deadlines.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

Ability to represent the Cooperative in a professional manner and promote positive relationships in the communities served.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment; however, due to the nature of the position and the need to understand and evaluate business processes, some work in the field may be required. The position may require travel among Cooperative districts and facilities, as well as travel for meetings, conferences, training, and other business purposes. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on business needs.