Business Development Manager - Developer Focused

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Reporting to the Business Development Director Aqua Texas, the Manager, Business Development (BD) plays a critical role in developing a pipeline of opportunities to grow Aqua Texas's water and wastewater services in desired geographical areas. This individual will dedicate a minimum of 50% of their time working with residential developers identify opportunities to provide water and wastewater services. The Manger, Business Development will also work with community leaders and key stakeholders to uncover municipal water and wastewater acquisition opportunities.

The Manager, Business Development (BD) will be responsible for prospecting for new business, leading the due diligence process, financial analysis, contract negotiation, and integration of acquisitions.

• Develop and sustain relationships with residential developers, municipal leaders and key stakeholders to generate water and wastewater opportunities for Aqua Texas in desired geographical areas.
• Target, approach and engage with prospective targets to "sell" Aqua's value proposition
• Maintain a robust pipeline of opportunities by prospecting new opportunities and managing existing opportunities through the business development process
• Partner with all primary functional areas of the organization in the pursuit and development of potential opportunities including Finance, Engineering, Operations, Environmental Compliance, Human Resources and Legal.
  • Managing the proposal process and ensuring that all requirements have been satisfied so that a deal can be submitted.
  • The Director, BD will co-lead presentations of his/her deals through the Aqua America Investment Committee for approval. This position will provide significant exposure to senior leaders within Essential
• Coordinate activities with external lawyers, advisors, accountants, and consultants to successfully complete a transaction.
• Work closely with Aqua's Communications team and with major builder organizations such as Texas Home Builders Association to market Aqua unique capabilities to enhance development projects
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

• 5 years or more experience assisting organization(s) with new business opportunities
  , including assessment of market attractiveness, entry strategy, and acquisitions or joint ventures. Alternate high-demand career experiences will also be considered.
• Proven experience negotiating and transacting with real estate developers
  , including structuring deals, managing relationships, and navigating development processes.
• Bachelor's degree preferably in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Engineering required.
• Demonstrate a successful track record in sales or business development
  .
• Experience with real estate development, municipalities, or utilities is a strong positive, but not required. Experience with civil engineering/land development would also be beneficial.
• Previous experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is desired, but not required.

• Results oriented with a strong desire to win
• General knowledge of the residential real estate market in Texas is a strong positive, but not required.
• Effective verbal and written presentation and communication skills. Well versed in making presentations and thinking on his / her feet.
• Mastery of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel is critical to this role.
• Superior analytical abilities including advanced knowledge of financial and valuation techniques is desired. In partnership with the state controller, perform valuations of target systems and make recommendations on valuations and deal terms. This…