Business Development Manager Southeast USA

The Business Development Manager at Distran is responsible for opening, developing, and maintaining relationships with clients in the industrial Oil and Gas sector, which includes refining, petrochemical, exploration, and several adjacent industries. This involves acquiring new customers, performing on-site demos, and providing comprehensive after-sales support. Additionally, you'll be responsible for attending relevant conferences and trade fairs to represent Distran, as well as collaborating with the Sales Director for effective marketing actions.

To qualify as a Business Development Manager at Distran, candidates should possess a degree in a Science, Technical, Business, or Industrial Distribution discipline, along with at least 5 years of experience in a similar sales role, preferably within the Industrial Downstream, Midstream, or Upstream sectors. Proven experience in sales and business development, along with good computer skills and knowledge of CRM systems, are also essential for this role.

Important skills for a Business Development Manager at Distran include a high level of autonomy and an entrepreneurial mindset, as the role involves managing various aspects of account management and sales processes independently. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are crucial, along with a solid understanding of industrial safety and non-destructive testing devices. A clean driving record and a TWIC card are also required due to the nature of client visits and work in regulated environments.

The Business Development Manager role at Distran requires approximately 50% regional travel. This travel is primarily for client visits, on-site demos, and attendance at industry events across states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Therefore, being located near a major airport is essential for ease of travel.

Distran offers its Business Development Manager a rewarding social and professional experience, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work that has a significant impact on the environment. With opportunities for innovation and collaboration within an expanding company, you'll be positioned to influence product growth while enhancing your own professional development through training and real-world experiences within a unique technological field.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of previous roles where you successfully developed business in the Oil and Gas sector. Highlight any targets you achieved, partnerships you formed, or specific strategies you used to engage clients and prospects, demonstrating your understanding of the industry.

Explain your approach to account management, including how you assess the potential of each client and tailor your communication strategies. Discuss the importance of follow-ups and after-sales service in maintaining strong client relationships, providing examples of how you've successfully enhanced customer satisfaction in your previous roles.

Elaborate on the strategies you've employed to attract new clients, such as networking at industry events, utilizing social media platforms for outreach, and leveraging existing contacts. Be sure to provide real-world examples that showcase your success in customer acquisition.

Describe the steps you take to prepare for and conduct a product demo, emphasizing the importance of understanding the client's needs, tailoring your presentation accordingly, and engaging them throughout the demo. Mention the use of feedback to improve future demonstrations.

Talk about your familiarity with various CRM systems, detailing specific software you've used in past roles. Highlight how you've utilized these tools to track leads, manage relationships, and analyze sales data to optimize your approach.

Share a specific instance where you encountered a challenging negotiation. Discuss your strategies for addressing the situation, including any compromises you made or techniques you employed to arrive at a successful outcome.

Discuss the importance of trust and communication in relationship-building. Offer examples of how you've cultivated long-term relationships with clients, focusing on regular check-ins, providing value beyond sales, and maintaining transparency.

Mention resources you utilize for staying informed about industry trends, such as subscriptions to relevant trade journals, attending conferences, and participating in professional networks. Explain how this knowledge allows you to provide better service to your clients.

Share what drives your passion for sales and business development, whether it’s the thrill of closing deals, helping clients solve problems, or contributing to environmental safety. Connect your motivations to the values of Distran and its mission.

Explain your time management strategies, emphasizing how you prioritize tasks and allocate time for both sales activities and necessary administrative work. Talk about any tools or processes you implement to maintain this balance effectively.