Principal, Business Development

American Water; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Principal in Business Development to focus on water and wastewater system acquisitions throughout Pennsylvania. Successful candidates will manage the business development pipeline, prepare marketing communications, and evaluate new opportunities. A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Engineering, Science, Business, or Finance, is required along with over 12 years of relevant work experience.

The position emphasizes strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the water industry. Up to 25% travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of work experience including 6 to 8 years in business development.
• Sound knowledge of the water industry is strongly preferred.
• Advanced Degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business opportunities in water and wastewater system acquisitions.
• Prepare communication drafts and develop marketing materials.
• Manage end-to-end business development cycle for proposals.
• Create market awareness for American Water and develop brand image.
• Evaluate new technologies and regulatory changes.

Skills

Infrastructure experience within the water/waste-water utility sector

Strong oral and written communication skills

Financial and commercial acumen

Legal aspects of the regulatory environment

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Salesforce knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree (Engineering, Science, Business, Finance or Marketing preferred)

Job description

Job Title: Principal, Business Development

Posting Start Date: 5/28/26

Job Description:

Location

• This role can sit anywhere within the state of Pennsylvania.

Primary Role

• Responsible for the development of new business opportunities specifically focused on water and wastewater system acquisitions. This includes working with municipal and privately owned water and wastewater owners to discuss and educate on the acquisition benefits and process and working with and directing consultants that have targeted opportunities.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist in building the business development pipeline and identifying opportunities to maintain a steady flow of projects and plans for securing those in line with the business plan. Identify, qualify and prioritize leads through the use of appropriate tools, local market data and active targeted prospecting.
• Prepare informational material and communication drafts and support the external affairs manager in development of marketing materials which support business development opportunities. Updates the business development plan and assesses risks to commitments for securing sustainable business growth.
• Manage the end-to-end business development cycle for less complex service offerings, coordinates and at times manages multifunction deal team in preparation of acquisition proposals and presentations. Assist with asset valuation studies and financial analysis and operational viability studies of targeted opportunities with appropriate departments.
• Create market awareness and interest in American Water, develop and maintain American Water brand image with the key industry stakeholders within the designated territory, attend municipal and public meetings as required, plans and staffs trade shows and industry events.
• Evaluate new and emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and other relevant factors in order to assist in the identification of new business opportunities.

Knowledge/Skills

• Infrastructure experience preferably within the water/waste-water utility sector
• Financial and commercial acumen.
• Legal aspects of the regulatory environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (presentation skills: fluency, report writing).
• Strong financial and legal acumen, or the ability to learn
• Critical thinking, adaptability, have a strong work ethic, possess leadership skills yet are a collaborative team player
• Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel), Salesforce knowledge benefitial
• Ability to quickly adapt to professional collaborative environments, deal with ambiguity, take initiative, and achieve results

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25%, as required

Experience/Education

• Bachelor Degree required (Engineering, Science, Business, Finance or Marketing preferred). Advanced Degree preferred but not required.
• 12+ years of work experience of which 6 to 8 years in the business development function, including significant experience working with municipal officials.
• Sound knowledge of the water industry is strongly preferred.

Key Relationships

• State President and leadership team
• Regional Business Development Director
• Bid support team
• Functional experts: Operations, HR, Legal, Finance, Business Developers within & across the Company
• VP, Business Development
• Various external community and business leaders