Substation Program Director - 26342
Description
We are currently seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-oriented Program Director to drive revenue growth for our innovative software solutions serving the electric utility and Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) markets.
The Program Director, Substation Design acts as a trusted advisor to customers helping them solve complex operational and business problems and improve how they work. This leadership role is responsible for identifying, developing, and closing new business opportunities while strengthening our presence with investor-owned utilities, public power organizations, electric cooperatives, engineering consulting firms, and EPC organizations. The Program Director will cultivate executive relationships, develop strategic partnerships, and lead complex enterprise software sales focused on electric substation design, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital twin solutions that improve utility planning, engineering, and infrastructure modernization.
The ideal candidate has a proven track record of selling enterprise software or technology solutions into the utility industry, understands electric utility engineering and planning workflows, and is passionate about helping customers leverage innovative technologies to solve complex business challenges. This role requires a self-driven leader who thrives in a consultative sales environment, collaborates effectively across teams, and is comfortable traveling up to 30–50% throughout North America.
Performance Objectives
- Develop and execute strategic business development plans that drive revenue growth across the electric utility and AEC markets.
- Develop and execute account strategies focused on utility modernization initiatives, including electric substation design, AI-assisted engineering workflows, and digital twin implementations.
- Identify, qualify, and close new business opportunities for our software solutions focused on electric substation design, utility planning, Artificial Intelligence, and digital twin technologies.
- Build and maintain relationships with executive leadership, engineering management, asset Directors, planning organizations, IT leadership, and operations teams within electric utilities and engineering firms.
- Lead complex enterprise software sales opportunities from initial engagement through contract negotiation and closing.
- Collaborate closely with Marketing to develop lead generation campaigns and increase market awareness.
- Partner with Product Management and Customer Success teams to communicate customer requirements, competitive intelligence, and emerging market opportunities.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, trade shows, customer meetings, and utility industry organizations.
- Monitor industry trends related to utility modernization, grid resiliency, AI adoption, digital engineering, and digital twin initiatives.
- Develop strategic partnerships that expand our market presence and long-term growth opportunities.
Competitive Candidate Profile
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of business development, enterprise software sales, or strategic account management experience.
- Demonstrated success selling enterprise software solutions to electric utilities, engineering consulting firms, or infrastructure organizations.
- Strong knowledge of electric utility engineering, transmission and distribution systems, substation design, or utility asset management.
- Experience selling technology solutions supporting engineering design, utility planning, digital twins, GIS, AI-enabled analytics, or related software platforms.
- Proven ability to develop executive relationships and manage complex, consultative sales cycles.
- Strong presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Experience working with Salesforce CRM to manage opportunities, forecasting, and customer relationships.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across sales, marketing, product management, and customer success teams.
- Willingness to travel approximately 30–50% throughout North America.
Preferred Qualifications
- Existing relationships within investor-owned utilities (IOUs), municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, or leading AEC firms.
- Experience consultative selling solutions related to electric substation engineering, engineering design automation, utility planning, digital twins, AI applications, GIS, or enterprise asset management.
- Experience responding to RFPs, public procurement processes, and enterprise software contract negotiations.
- Familiarity with utility modernization initiatives, grid digitalization, and engineering data management.
What Success Looks Like
Within the first year, the Program Director of Business Development will:
- Govern projects for key customers and serving as a trusted advisor
- Supporting Sales initiatives for new customers and cross selling to existing customers
- Increase SBS's visibility as a trusted provider of AI-enabled utility planning, electric substation design, and digital twin solutions.
- Provide valuable market feedback that helps shape future product innovation and go-to-market strategy.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Income Protection (disability, life/AD&D, critical illness, accident)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Spending Account (HSA), Commuter
- Lifestyle & Wellbeing Program
- Pet Insurance
This role is eligible for: Variable Compensation
Salary Range: 130,000 - 150,000 USD