Business Development Specialist I

In Waipahu, Hawaii, Interstate Batteries is strengthening its network of dealer partners across the region. The Business Development Specialist I is an on-site role focused on growing profitable dealer growth by expanding both new and existing accounts, driving engagement, and coordinating with internal teams to hit revenue targets. This position blends field-based prospecting with hands-on dealer activation and ongoing relationship management.

Location

Waipahu, HI (onsite)

Compensation

$60,000 - $65,000 per year

Responsibilities

• Target, qualify, pursue, and secure new Traditional Independent Licensed Dealer (ILD) and Non-Mandated National Account Customers (NAC) for the Distributor.
• Travel regularly within the assigned territory to engage dealers.
• Set up new customers with racks, batteries, point-of-purchase materials, and testers; ensure onboarding steps are complete, routes are established, documentation is in order, and questions about programs, products, and services are answered.
• Educate dealers on relevant programs, products, development opportunities, and Interstate training options.
• Develop and maintain a pipeline of roughly 100 growth dealers.
• Maintain relationships with new and existing dealers through in-person meetings, site visits, and networking events.
• Conduct business reviews for growth dealers, covering performance, opportunities, and recommended growth plans.
• Provide support for additional dealer visits as needed beyond growth dealers.
• Utilize Salesforce daily for prospecting, pipeline development, activity logging, and closing deals.
• Communicate pricing actions to operation dealers after reviewing the monthly gross profit report and acting as required.
• Assist with Accounts Receivable collection calls or visits as needed.
• Maintain a minimum of 40 in-person sales calls per week, balancing new business prospecting, proposal presentations, and existing dealer calls to identify growth opportunities.
• Visit NAC dealer locations within the market as dictated by company needs.
• Meet or exceed targets for new unit sales, growth dealer goals, and average price per unit sold.
• Respond to and manage dealer issues and complaints.
• Collaborate with Market General Managers, Route Sales Managers, and Office/Warehouse teams to ensure customer satisfaction and account growth.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of Business-to-Business sales experience preferred.
• Outside sales, business development, or field-based account management experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and develop sales efforts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Customer-focused with a results-driven mindset.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills with the ability to meet or exceed quotas.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively within a designated area.
• Concise, professional written, presentation, and verbal communication skills.
• MS Office and Excel proficiency required.
• Experience with Salesforce, Concur, Workday, and/or Tableau preferred.
• Comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent travel.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Technologies

• MS Office
• Excel
• Salesforce
• Concur
• Workday
• Tableau

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Scope and travel

• Cover a designated geographic territory with frequent travel to customer sites.
• Interface with multiple internal departments and external customers.
• Model Interstate’s Purpose and Values in daily activities.
• Compensation includes base salary plus commission tied to sales performance.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.

Work environment

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent sitting and standing for up to 8 hours per day.
• Regular use of hands to grasp or handle, talk and hear, stand and walk.
• Vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Exposure to battery warehouse conditions, including moving equipment, fumes or airborne particles, and potentially toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Flexible schedule based on client availability, with occasional evening or weekend events.

Application questions

• How many years of selling into the automotive or automotive-adjacent industry do you have?