Relationship Development Manager

Position Summary

The Relationship Development Manager has a vital role within the organization and is tasked with fortifying the company’s relationships with existing members, customers, key accounts, and partners. This position primarily focuses on understanding the needs and expectations of these key contacts and proactively engages with them to ensure satisfaction and long-term relationships. The primary goal is to foster strong and mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to the company’s growth and overall success. The Relationship Development Manager serves as the liaison between CoServ and CoServ Gas with cities, elected officials, and key accounts, serving as the main point of contact, ensuring effective communications and a deep understanding of their needs. The Relationship Development Manager stays informed concerning activities in assigned areas and forges partnerships that impact CoServ politically, to enhance the Cooperatives mission statement, programs, and goals. The Relationship Development Manager directs resolution of critical or escalated situations.

Primary Position Responsibilities

- Serve as an advocate and primary contact between key accounts, cities, and elected officials for CoServ Electric and CoServ Gas.

- Contribute to the development of strategic plans for key accounts.

- Promote, educate, and sell CoServ’s concept to key accounts and cities.

- Explore opportunities to leverage technology for improved client interactions and service delivery.

- Educate key accounts on CoServ service offerings and provide overview of Texas utility markets.

- Play a key role in securing service obligations, monitoring progress, and ensuring commitments are met and on schedule.

- Assists in and promotes economic development.

- Facilitate effective communication of area business and economic development activities with appropriate internal departments.

- Work closely with leadership to align relationship management strategies with overall company goals.

- Engage with professional organizations and various Economic Development Corporations through membership and networking.

- Attend and actively participate in government meetings such as: City Council, Planning and Zoning Committees, Economic Development, Commissioner’s Court, focusing on published agenda items that may impact CoServ.

- Represent CoServ by participating in community groups, specialized committees, and boards (i.e., Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, service organizations, etc.).

- Lead and/or participate in community outreach programs and initiatives.

- Enhance the company’s visibility and visibility and reputation in the communities served.

- Function as a subject matter expert for cities / communities including:

- CoServ policies and procedures, City Franchise Agreements, CoServ Electric Rates and Tariff, CoServ Gas Rates and Tariff, industry tech advancements, and market news.

- Implement a comprehensive communication strategy for all key accounts to include cities and/or government contacts.

- Collaborate with the Energy Efficiency team to resolve escalated Key Account conflicts through investigation and effective communication.

- Identify sponsorship opportunities and collaborate with Community Relations Department.

- Complies with established CoServ safety and operating rules, procedures and guidelines including reporting unsafe practices to a supervisor.

- Complies with established CoServ Information Security Handbook, policies, procedures, and guidelines including reporting suspected information security incidents to Tech Support.

Secondary Position Responsibilities

- Mitigate usage concerns by analyzing rates and plan comparisons, and clearly illustrate CoServ’s rate structure options to large Key Accounts.

- Monitor economic trends and demographic shifts to anticipate opportunities and challenges providing recommendations for strategic adjustments as needed.

- Perform annual historical review and advise Key Accounts of facility usage trends as needed.

- Provide territory activity evaluations.

- Attends professional training, development conferences, seminars and workshops as directed.

- Attends training required by CoServ.

- Knowledge of CoServ electric and gas equipment and devices.

- Consistently represent CoServ in a professional manner.

- Some travel.

- Performs other duties and activities as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No direct reports.

Position Requirements

Education, Experience, and Certifications Required

- High School Diploma or G.E.D equivalency.

- A bachelor's degree or 4 years work experience in a related field in lieu of degree.

- Experience in electric power distribution or utility operations, public operations, public interaction and/or other relationship centric work experience.

Education, Experience, and Certifications Preferred

- Graduate Degree in business, marketing, or related field

- Certified Key Account Executive (CKAE)

Skills and Abilities Required

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to work under strict deadlines and demonstrate critical thinking skills.

- Ability to work in both office and field environments.

- Demonstrate ability to prioritize and organize job activity.

- Strong computer skills.

- Knowledge of basic mathematics.

- Professionally manage and mediate conflict.

- Ability to work independently, with minimum supervision, and in teams.

- Skills in developing and delivering oral and written presentations.

- Ability to use standard office/business equipment in a safe manner and observe all safety rules and regulations.

- Manage appropriate documentation to support department initiatives.

Skills and Abilities Preferred

- Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs.

- Knowledge of electric and gas utility infrastructure.

- Proficiency in organizing complex data for analysis.

- Proficient in giving presentations.

- Actively track and understand new and emerging energy technology.

Physical Requirements

Out of the office

- Works out of the office 75% of the time.

- Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

- Can drive a company vehicle.

- Ability to work flexible or extended hours as needed or directed.

- Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.

In-office

- Operates office equipment such as a computer, telephone, fax machine, copier, etc.

- Indoor, office environment.

- Ability to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.

- Ability to drive occasionally as needed.

- Ability to sit for long periods of time.

- Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

Other Requirements

- Must have and maintain a valid Texas driver's license.

- Ability to travel, if necessary, for business and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.