Manager, Business Development and Account Management
JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE
Delta Utilities is seeking a Manager, Business Development and Account Management will lead an organization with the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining relationships with customers in the local communities that Delta serves. This position will be responsible for the development and execution of strategies to enable Delta to meet customer growth expectations. Responsible for leading a team in generating new business leads and identifying expansion opportunities with existing customers. This includes project management, product development and marketing, that are designed to create new jobs and capital investment in the communities Delta Utilities serves.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design strategies for effective customer outreach; improving customer satisfaction and perception; promoting innovation and supporting the overall Delta Utilities Business Plan.
- Establish/improve external relationships with Economic Development Organizations, Real Estate Developers, Engineering firms, local government officials, ports, rail providers, other utility providers.
- Manage prospect activity including RFI/RFP response, project management, site visits, and cost estimates for gas facilities and rates by actively engaging with site selectors, company executives, business owners, brokers and public officials to encourage companies to locate or expand service territory.
- Manage competitive commercial and residential development projects where customers have a choice of energy sources.
- Manage relationships and support franchise agreements with local government.
- Assist in building and maintaining grass roots support in the community. Serve on critical boards and ensure employees are active in local business, industry and non-profit organization.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with county/parish and municipal officials and key non-profit organizations.
- Design, organize, market and conduct tours, seminars, workshops, meetings, banquets, conferences, etc., to promote Delta’s economic/community development activities.
- Key member of Storm Response Team coordinating customer-related messaging.
- Support credit and collections, deposits, medical codes and local government billing.
- Collaborate with legal and regulatory departments regarding customer service testimony for rate cases and represent the company at regulatory hearings on customer-related issues.
- Partner with Public Affairs to develop and support corporate contributions strategy and ensure the community is aware of Delta’s corporate contributions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education required of the position
- Bachelor’s Degree required with preference being in Business, Communications, Engineering or Public/Community Affairs.
- Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum experience required of the position
- 5+ years of experience leading customer-facing teams within the utility sector or in roles combining customer service and business development.
- Prior experience in economic development recruitment in the utility sector is highly preferred.
Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities preferred of the position
- Knowledge of rates, regulatory requirements, utility systems, and commercial and industrial processes
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
- Excellent presence with the ability to present effectively and persuasively both to internal and external stakeholders
- Strong business acumen in finance, operations, technology, and strategy alignment
Any certificates, licenses, etc. required for the position
- None
Other Attributes
| Functional Knowledge | Requires a broad and comprehensive understanding of the different systems, theories and practices relevant to own discipline. Ability to develop annual business plans, handle heavy workload, multiple tasks, and solve practical problems. Demonstrates detailed expertise in very complex functional/technical area or broad breadth of knowledge in multiple areas; understands the strategic impact of the function across sites. |
| Business Expertise | Applies understanding of how the team relates to other closely related teams to improve efficiency of own sub-function/business unit. |
| Leadership | Has formal management responsibility through subordinate employees; responsible for planning for the entire teams' future needs and operations. Able to lead projects directed by upper management. |
| Problem Solving | Evaluates key business and organizational challenges; develops innovative solutions within broad company policies and strategies. Able to read, analyze and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints |
| Impact | Is accountable for the performance of a function, division or region. |
| Interpersonal Skills | Demonstrates expert people and/or process management skills as well as customer (external and internal) relationship skills. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on business development topics to upper management, public groups, and new or existing customers. |
Working Conditions
Ability to travel on behalf of Delta Utilities, in-state or out-of-state (up to 50% overnight travel flexibility required); ability to consistently participate in evening and weekend networking/relationship building, to include state, regional and local economic development events, as well as trade industry conferences.
About Delta Utilities
Delta Utilities is a natural gas utility headquartered in New Orleans that provides safe, reliable natural gas service across Louisiana and Mississippi. We understand the value of dependable energy and our important role in building stronger, more resilient communities. Once all announced transactions are complete, Delta Utilities will be a $1.7 billion organization representing 600,000 customers and among the top 40 natural gas utilities in the United States.
Delta Utilities acquired CenterPoint Energy's natural gas utility operations in Louisiana and Mississippi in April 2025 and will acquire Entergy's natural gas utilities in Baton Rouge and New Orleans in summer 2025.
Delta Utilities is regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission, the Mississippi Public Service Commission, and the New Orleans City Council. We work closely with our regulatory agencies to deliver safe and reliable natural gas service and maintain fair rates for our customers.
Learn more at https://deltautilities.com.
Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.
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