Business Development Manager

Willdan Group, Inc.; Minnetonka (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Willdan Group, Inc. in Minnetonka, MN is seeking a collaborative Business Development Manager to drive growth across clean energy initiatives. You will manage strategic campaigns, proposals and cross-functional projects, aligning departments to win opportunities.

This role requires strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills, plus the ability to shepherd complex proposals from conception to decision, with travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, sustainability, or a related field.
• Advanced degree or professional certification is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in business development or high-stakes leadership, preferably in energy/engineering services.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex proposals, timelines, and stakeholder inputs.
• Ability to build consensus and drive to a decision.
• Experience with proposal development lifecycles and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.

Responsibilities

• Business Development – Identify and cultivate new opportunities in the clean energy sector and develop strategic plans to expand market presence.
• Campaign Management – Lead or provide strategic input for BD outreach, proposals, presentations, and pitches for clients, partners, and investors.
• Collaboration – Work with leadership and cross-functional teams to align strategies and support BD goals.
• Client Relationship Management – Maintain long-term relationships and tailor solutions to evolving client needs.
• Market Research – Track industry trends and opportunities to inform new ventures.
• Travel – Up to 30% travel domestically or internationally for meetings and events.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Presentation skills

Proposal development

PowerPoint proficiency

Word proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, sustainability, or related field

Advanced degree or professional certification

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

We're looking for a collaborative and task-driven Business Development Manager to join our team. We're a small team that spans the country and supports strategic initiatives across several, cross-functional departments. As a part of this team, you will manage strategic campaigns, proposals and projects, helping individuals see how collaboration across departments can lead to bigger opportunities and growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Business Development - Identify and cultivate new business opportunities in the clean energy sector. Develop and execute strategic plans to expand our market presence and drive revenue growth.
• Campaign Management - Lead or provide strategic input for the development and management of BD outreach and development campaigns which may include proposals, presentations, and pitches for potential clients, partners, and investors. Ensure that all materials are compelling and aligned with our infrastructure and energy solutions.
• Collaboration - Work closely with all Operating Company leadership and operations teams; as well as Marketing, Sales, and Finance, to gather information, align strategies, and provide cross-functional support to achieve business development goals.
• Client Relationship Management - Foster strong, long-term relationships with key clients and partners. Maintain regular communication to understand their evolving needs and provide tailored solutions.
• Market Research - Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and emerging opportunities in the clean energy sector. Use market insights to drive the development of new business ventures.
• Travel - Some travel (up to 30%, typically in waves related to specific pursuits), both domestic and potentially international, may be required to attend meetings, conferences, and industry events.

Job Requirements / Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, sustainability, or a related field.
• Advanced degree or professional certification is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years in business development or high-stakes company leadership, preferred this experience is in supporting energy and/or engineering services.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex proposals, timelines, and input from stakeholders at all levels of our organization.
• Ability to synthesize multiple perspectives, building consensus, and driving to a decision.
• Well-versed in the full lifecycles of proposal development and/or project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Word.

EEO Non-Discrimination and ADA Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Willdan is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religious creed, color, age marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military service or veteran status, disability, medical condition, childbirth and related medical conditions, genetic testing, reproductive status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Willdan does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability where the essential functions of the job can be reasonably accommodated. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us.

Willdan Group, Inc. participates in E-Verify.