Business Development Director - Data Center

Socket.dev; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

401(k) retirement savings with company

Professional and personal development

Opportunity to become a shareholder

Disability insurance

Life insurance for dependents

Wellness program

Gym reimbursement

EAP

Job summary

Sonepar Management Group (SMG) seeks a Business Development Director- Data Center to identify, develop, and influence strategic opportunities with hyperscale, colocation, and mission-critical customers. You will build executive relationships, map opportunities across projects, and coordinate internal teams to position Sonepar as a preferred data center partner.

Travel 40-50% is expected. Requirements include 10+ years in strategic sales or BD, proven ability to influence decision-makers, and a

Qualifications

• 10+ years of strategic sales, business development, or related experience.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence decision-makers.
• Experience identifying and developing strategic growth opportunities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Ability to travel approximately 40-50%.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic customer relationships with hyperscale data center operators and key partners.
• Identify and influence opportunities early in project lifecycles and support capture strategies.
• Track market activity and build pipeline across the data center vertical.
• Collaborate with leadership and operating companies to align growth objectives.
• Represent Sonepar at industry events and stay current on market trends.

Skills

Strategic sales

Business development

Relationship building

Influence decision-makers

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sonepar Management Group (SMG) supports our Sonepar brands (i.e. operating companies) in the US through a shared services model. These services include, but are not limited to: human resources, finance, digital enterprise, supply chain, vendor relations, marketing, legal, and communications. The SMG teams enable our brands to do business in their local regions while taking advantage of the scale and collective resources of a global enterprise.

SMG fosters an inclusive and supportive culture. We offer leadership and development programs to help you reach your career goals. Our associates share in our collective achievements, and we firmly believe that Sonepar is “Powered by Difference.” By driving technology and innovation, enabling paths to success, and caring about our people and their families, we have built a workplace where you can build a fulfilling career.

As a Business Development Director- Data Center, you will be responsible for identifying, developing, and influencing strategic opportunities with hyperscale, colocation, and mission‑critical customers. You will build executive-level relationships, develop early‑stage project intelligence, and collaborate across the organization to position Sonepar as a preferred partner in the data center market.

Develop Strategic Customer Relationships

• Build and maintain relationships with hyperscale data center operators, large colocation providers, procurement teams, engineering firms, general contractors, and other key influencers.
• Create and execute account engagement strategies that position Sonepar as a trusted partner within key customer organizations.
• Develop multi‑level relationship maps and strengthen long‑term customer partnerships.

Drive Business Growth

• Identify and influence opportunities early in the project lifecycle.
• Support business capture strategies through value engineering, specification influence, preferred distributor agreements, and strategic account development.
• Help drive pipeline growth and support revenue objectives within the data center vertical.

Manage Market Intelligence & Pipeline Development

• Track and map data center projects from early‑stage development through execution.
• Maintain accurate project and engagement data within CRM systems.
• Monitor market activity, customer initiatives, and project opportunities to guide business development effort.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Serve as a key liaison between customers, leadership teams, and operating companies.
• Coordinate internal resources to support pursuit strategies and customer requirements.
• Align business development activities with broader organizational growth objectives.

Represent Sonepar in the Industry

• Participate in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Stay current on market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities within the data center ecosystem.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of strategic sales, business development, account management, or related industry experience.
• Proven ability to build relationships and influence decision‑makers within complex organizations.
• Experience identifying and developing strategic growth opportunities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Mission‑critical and construction industry experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Ability to travel approximately 40-50%

What We Offer You

We offer great family-friendly benefits to full‑time associates:

• Healthcare plans
• Dental & vision
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Professional and personal development programs
• Opportunity to become a shareholder
• Employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability
• Employer‑paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
• Robust wellness program
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

We’re proud to be a military‑friendly company, and our many employee resource groups (ERGs) help you make connections and feel supported.

Learn More About Us

Get to know us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube and learn how we’re “Powering Progress for Future Generations.”

Learn more about us and our Sonepar family of brands: https://www.soneparusa.com/us‑en/about‑us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email [e-mail].