Business Development and Strategy Associate

About us: OPTERRA is a national energy services organization that partners with public sector stakeholders to meet the unique goals of communities across the U.S. Our team customizes energy projects with top-tier technology to deliver lasting impact, enhancing fiscal savings and community engagement.

With over 50 years of experience, we ensure our customers' long-term success through tailored solutions that support their vision. By deeply engaging and understanding specific goals, we deliver on the mission our customers envision.

From 2016 -- 2025, OPTERRA Energy Services was previously owned by global energy company ENGIE, doing business as ENGIE Services U.S. In June 2025, national energy giant LS Power acquired the former ENGIE Services U.S. team and OPTERRA returned to its legacy name in the market.

Purpose

Your role will include activities around generating new business, developing creative solutions, and is ultimately measured by contributions to our profitable growth. You will work as part of a cross-functional project development team that includes project finance, operations, legal, marketing and communications to secure new business and ensure delighted customers.

Reports to

Business Development Director – Central Region

Vacancy Status

Hybrid / remote within the Central Region territory (IL, MI, IN, WI, MN)

Position Type

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Exempt

Essential Job Functions

• Development and ownership of market strategies
• Account research and customer targeting
• Support and leadership at trade shows and customer events
• Presenting to high-level decisions makers and key stakeholders at government and commercial customers
• Working with our finance department to model system economics for prospective projects
• Developing, maintaining, and expanding relationships with all levels in an account ranging from City Managers to CFOs to Superintendents and Board/Council Members
• Work as part of a cross-functional project development team that includes project finance, operations, legal, marketing and communications to secure new business and ensure delighted customers
• Lead customer meetings, contract negotiations, and present at public Board or Council meetings
• Maintain a revenue and margin quota and robust sales funnel to support business objectives as identified
• Other tasks as assigned by Regional Director

Requirements

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability strategies, energy efficiency, and renewable energy and passion to serve others and make a difference
• Demonstrated financial and business acumen
• Strong Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills
• Ability to travel up to 50%

Essential Physical Abilities

• Occasionally move up to 25 lbs.

Education/Experience

• Required:
  • Bachelors' degree
  • 2-3+ years of business experience working in business development, strategy, finance, or management consulting
• Preferred:
  • Sales experience
  • Masters' degree in business administration, marketing, communication, sustainability, or engineering field
  • Previous work within design, construction, or the energy sector

Working Environment

• Hybrid / remote office environment with travel
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a smart phone and printer.

Compensation

Salary Range: $86,100 – $132,000 USD annually

For this role you must have authorization to work in the United States. There is no employer sponsorship of U.S. residency or work authorization with this role. Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or expression, genetic information or any other legally protected status.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills requires of personnel.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, as listed above.