Business Development Manager – Automation & Intelligence Division

Job Title: Business Development Manager – Automation & Intelligence DivisionLocation: Atlanta Company Overview:Inframark is a recognized leader in providing advanced infrastructure management solutions across the United States, with a focus on water and wastewater systems. Our Automation & Intelligence Division specializes in cutting-edge systems integration, industrial automation, cybersecurity, and data analytics driven by artificial intelligence. As part of our commitment to technological innovation, we work with municipalities, engineering firms, and utility contractors to deliver comprehensive and scalable automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. We are seeking an experienced and technically adept Business Development Manager to help expand our market presence by engaging with key stakeholders such as consulting engineers, large municipalities, and industry decision-makers. Job Summary:The Business Development Manager will drive strategic growth by identifying and securing complex, high-value opportunities within large municipalities and the consulting engineering sector. This role requires deep technical expertise in industrial automation and water/wastewater systems, along with a consultative sales approach to engage and influence key stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Sales, you will collaborate with internal teams to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of municipal and engineering clients. This position is essential in shaping the company's strategic direction, building long-term relationships, and ensuring the successful execution of large-scale automation projects. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Business Development:Lead the creation and execution of business development strategies that target large municipalities and consulting engineers involved in water and wastewater infrastructure projects. Identify emerging opportunities, including those in regulatory compliance, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation efforts in water management. Technical Consulting & Solution Design:Provide strategic technical consultation to municipalities and consulting engineers by identifying operational challenges and proposing tailored automation and intelligence solutions that address their specific needs. Leverage deep knowledge of process instrumentation, SCADA systems, and AI-powered data analytics to design innovative, scalable systems that optimize water and wastewater operations. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management:Cultivate relationships with key decision-makers at engineering firms, municipal utilities, and government entities. Foster a deep understanding of customer pain points, goals, and project timelines, positioning Inframark as a trusted partner and thought leader in the automation space. Maintain long-term, value-driven relationships to secure ongoing business and referrals. Project Lifecycle Management:Collaborate with consulting engineers, project managers, and technical teams to align sales strategies with project requirements, from initial needs assessments through design, implementation, and ongoing support. Help guide clients through the entire project lifecycle, ensuring the successful deployment of automation solutions and the integration of AI-driven intelligence for enhanced operational decision-making. Technical Market Analysis & Competitive Intelligence:Monitor market trends, technological advancements, and industry standards related to industrial automation, water management, and AI analytics. Analyze competitor activities and identify gaps in the market that can be leveraged for business growth. Provide insights to the executive team regarding market opportunities and competitive positioning. Proposal Development & Negotiation:Generate content of detailed, technical proposals in collaboration with internal teams. Work closely with engineering, project management, and technical teams to define solution architecture, scope, and costs. Negotiate contractual terms and conditions, ensuring that both client needs and company objectives are met. Partnership & Channel Strategy:Develop and manage strategic partnerships with consulting engineers and industry organizations to expand market reach and co-develop solutions for municipal water and wastewater systems. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors to ensure seamless integration of solutions. Revenue Growth & KPI Tracking:Work with the Regional Sales Manager to drive the achievement of revenue goals by consistently identifying and closing large-scale, multi-phase projects. Track and report on KPIs, including sales pipeline progress, revenue generation, opportunity close rates, and customer satisfaction metrics. Internal Collaboration:Work cross-functionally with product development, marketing, engineering, and operations teams to ensure that customer solutions align with company capabilities and strategic goals. Provide feedback to internal teams regarding customer needs, product requirements, and market dynamics. Thought Leadership & Industry Advocacy:Represent Inframark at industry conferences, webinars, and technical forums. Position yourself and the company as a thought leader in automation and artificial intelligence within the water and wastewater sectors. Educate customers on emerging technologies and industry best practices to drive engagement and loyalty. Qualifications/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field (Master’s degree or MBA is a plus). A minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, sales, or consulting within the industrial automation, water/wastewater, or infrastructure sectors. Experience working with large municipalities and consulting engineering firms is strongly preferred. In-depth technical knowledge of automation systems, process instrumentation, SCADA architecture, PLCs, control systems, and data analytics in the context of water/wastewater management. Proven ability to design and propose customized, technically complex solutions to meet the operational needs of large municipalities and engineering consultants. Strong network within the water/wastewater sector, including relationships with municipal leaders, utility managers, engineering firms, and key industry vendors. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels, from engineers to C-suite executives. Demonstrated success in managing long sales cycles, large project portfolios, and complex stakeholder negotiations. Expertise in managing CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) and other sales enablement software. Preferred Technical Knowledge: Extensive understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes, including instrumentation, control systems, and cybersecurity. Familiarity with regulatory standards in water management and environmental compliance, as well as trends toward digitalization and smart infrastructure. Proficiency in AI, machine learning, and data analytics applications for predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and operational efficiency in the water sector. Physical Demands: Requires travel to customer sites, industry events, and project meetings as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Join Our Team:If you are a strategic, technically-driven business development professional with a passion for water/wastewater infrastructure, automation, and AI, we invite you to apply. Join Inframark’s Automation & Intelligence Division and help us drive the digital transformation of municipal water and wastewater systems.