Business Development Manager, EV
Blue Bird (NASDAQ : BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world 25 million children twice a day making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions.
JOB SUMMARY
Identifying and developing prospective EV customers to target and build business opportunities by understanding the market and competitive landscape. Supporting efforts of Blue Bird's Sales organization and Dealer Network through the development of dealer business plans; product education and training; forecasting; lead generation; qualification, and assisting with closing sales. Works closely with marketing / sales teams to ensure product offerings are matching the market needs. Develops and executes strategies that position Blue Bird as the leader in the EV school bus industry.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Creates and executes sales strategies that cultivate and expand EV adoption and growth with school districts and fleet contractors.
- Provides market analysis and ongoing updates on competition. Strong understanding of company products or services as well as business position and competition to keep business competitive.
- Leads or participates in product demonstrations, while identifying product improvements and market opportunities. Works with Regional Sales Managers and EV Product Segment Leader, dealers, direct fleet, and marketing to coordinate new product launches. Educates dealership sales teams on EV product to improve their level of product knowledge with the goal of enabling them to become experts in the school bus industry.
- Identifies and works closely with key industry partners to support continued growth for EV school bus sales. Creates strong relationships with key customers / fleets to increase customer service satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Support the identification and maximization of the funding mechanisms available to support EV adoption, tracking success with opportunities against competitive metrics.
- Provide support at industry tradeshows as EV subject matter expert and identify opportunities to provide presentations
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS
Sales leader with strong business acumenStrong EV technology fundamentals related to battery technology, power electronics, drivetrains, thermal managementUnderstanding of the EV charging industry and ability to evaluate potential partnersDemonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple competing issues, opportunities and objectivesAble to act as a change agent within and outside the organizationExperience with managing through long sales cycles and multi-stakeholder decision makingAble to evaluate, develop and support sales prospectsAble to work with other functional leaders; effective negotiator with internal and external customers and key stakeholdersAble to develop clear value proposition and TCO messagingAble to translate customer pain points into EV solutionsBASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Bachelors' degree in Business or related field, required5+ years of sales and / or business development experience, required3+ years of experience in the EV industry, requiredAbility to travel throughout U.S. and Canada with valid passportAll candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent residentPREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Previous bus or heavy truck industry experience, preferredWE VALUE
Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidanceExcellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.Ability to influence stakeholdersEffective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.INCLUDES
Continued Professional DevelopmentBenefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matchingBlue Bird is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms. All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.