Business Development Manager - New Customer Acquisition

Werner; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Annual bonus opportunities

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Werner, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Appleton, WI, is a leading electrical distributor serving industrial and construction customers across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The Business Development Manager drives profitable growth by converting qualified leads into new customer relationships and collaborating with internal teams to deliver value-driven solutions.

The role focuses on identifying business needs, developing proposals, and managing opportunities through the sales cycle to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of business development, outside sales, account acquisition, or consultative sales experience.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influence skills.
• Experience selling products, services, or solutions within electrical distribution, industrial automation, construction, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Convert qualified leads into profitable new customer relationships.
• Execute growth strategies focused at net-new customers within targeted markets.
• Develop relationships with decision-makers and influencers across customer organizations.
• Lead opportunities through the entire sales cycle, from prospect engagement through onboarding.
• Collaborate with Werner specialists and technical resources to develop customer-specific solutions.

Skills

Consultative selling

Relationship-building

CRM proficiency

Executive engagement

Sales forecasting

B2B sales

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be Yourself. Build Your Career. Be Exceptional Together. At Werner, we’re more than an electrical distributor — we’re a community that empowers people to grow, innovate, and truly make a difference. Our culture celebrates individuality, encourages creativity, and values each person’s voice; creating a space where you can be yourself, connect with others, and build a meaningful career. We believe in balance and flexibility, so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Together, we can make an impact and build something exceptional for our customers, families, communities, and each other.

Job Summary

The Business Development Manager drives profitable growth by converting qualified leads into new customer relationships. Partnering with internal teams and an external lead-generation provider this role engages prospects, identifies business needs, develops value-based electrical and technology solutions, and leads opportunities through the sales cycle to closure.

Essential Functions

• Convert qualified leads into profitable new customer relationships.
• Execute growth strategies focused at net-new customers within targeted markets.
• Conduct customer discovery sessions and identify opportunities to create value through Werner's products, solutions, and services.
• Develop relationships with decision-makers and influencers across customer organizations.
• Lead opportunities through the entire sales cycle, from prospect engagement through onboarding.
• Collaborate with Werner specialists and technical resources to develop customer-specific solutions.
• Present proposals, business cases, and value-driven recommendations that differentiate Werner in the marketplace.
• Manage pipeline activity, forecasting, and CRM documentation to support sales effectiveness.
• Achieve new customer acquisition, revenue, profit, and strategic growth goals.
• Monitor market trends and represent Werner within the communities and industries served.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant business development experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of business development, outside sales, account acquisition, or consultative sales experience.
• Proven success acquiring net new business and achieving revenue growth objectives.
• Experience selling products, services, or solutions within electrical distribution, industrial automation, construction, manufacturing, or related industries preferred.
• Experience managing complex B2B sales opportunities involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong consultative selling and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage executive, operational, technical, and purchasing decision-makers.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to identify customer challenges and develop value-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and influence skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple opportunities through complex sales cycles.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office applications, and sales enablement tools.
• Self-driven, competitive, and results-oriented with a strong customer focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in B2B consultative sales generating new leads and business.
• Previous experience working with Microsoft Excel and CRM package.

Company Overview

Founded in 1948, Werner has grown from a small appliance store in downtown Neenah, WI into an award-winning employer and leading electrical distributor with 12 branch locations in Wisconsin and Upper-Michigan. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, we provide electrical, lighting, network, process, and inventory management solutions for a diverse group of industrial and construction customers. We are a growing, privately-held company with over 450 employees who uphold a family culture built around exceptional customer service. As a recent New North Workplace Excellence Award winner, we’re dedicated to the continuous improvement of our people, products, and services to ensure the long-term success of our employees and customers.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Paid holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection
• Accident Insurance & Critical Illness Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Annual bonuses and merit increases based on performance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
• Career Development & Leadership Training
• Paid Parental Leave

Werner is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.