Business Development Specialist I

Based in North Charleston, this role drives growth for Interstate Batteries within an assigned territory, acting as the primary sales lead for the Distributor and partnering with internal teams to expand dealer accounts. The position blends hands-on dealer engagement with strategic account development to deliver profitable opportunities and sustained market presence.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, pursue, and secure new Traditional Independent Licensed Dealer (ILD) and Non-Mandated National Account Customers (NAC) for the Distributor.
• Travel regularly within the territory to engage with dealers and opportunities.
• Set up new customers with racks, batteries, point of purchase materials, and testers; ensure they are on route, have proper documentation, and understand our program, products, and services.
• Educate dealers on relevant programs, products, development opportunities, and available Interstate training.
• Develop a growth-focused dealer list of approximately 100 accounts.
• 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 plans to capitalize on identified growth areas.
• Assist with additional dealer visits beyond growth dealers as needed.
• Utilize Salesforce daily for prospecting, pipeline development, documenting activity, and closing deals.
• Communicate pricing actions to operation dealers by reviewing monthly Gross Profit reports and acting as required.
• Assist with Accounts Receivable collection calls or customer visits as needed.
• Maintain a minimum of 40 in-person sales calls per week, balancing new business prospecting, proposal presentations, and existing dealer visits focused on growth opportunities.
• Visit NAC dealer locations within the market based on 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, Assistant 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.
• Proven outside sales, business development, or field-based account management experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop sales initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service skills with a results-driven mindset.
• Solid negotiation and closing abilities with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively while covering a designated area.
• Concise, 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 driving record, meet driver qualification requirements, and have reliable transportation.

Technologies

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

Scope data

• 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 pay tied to sales performance.
• Operate with integrity and demonstrate a positive attitude.

Work environment

• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs, with occasional lifts up to 75 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, walking, and standing during the work schedule.
• Vision requirements include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to battery warehouse conditions including moving equipment, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Exposure to road hazards when operating or riding in a vehicle.
• Flexible schedule based on client availability, including occasional evening or weekend events.