Live In Connex Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT – NORTH CENTRAL REGION

Data Center Services

Job Title: Director, Business Development – North Central Region, Data Center Services

Department: Sales / Business Development

Reports To: Vice President, Data Center Sales

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Chicago, IL Area (Preferred) / Hybrid / Remote

Job Summary

The Director, Business Development – North Central Region is responsible for driving strategic business development, market expansion, customer engagement, and revenue growth across NTI's Data Center Services portfolio throughout Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

This role partners closely with Global Account Leaders, Program Management leadership, Operations, Estimating, Engineering, and executive stakeholders to develop and expand customer ecosystems while executing NTI's national sales strategy. The Director is responsible for establishing, developing, and maintaining executive-level relationships with Data Center operators, Hyperscale providers, AI platform operators, Cloud and Neo-Cloud providers, General Contractors, Fiber Service Providers, Electrical Contractors, Integrators, and strategic partners throughout the region.

The Director, Business Development serves as a market-facing leader responsible for identifying opportunities, positioning NTI's service offerings, developing long-term customer relationships, and driving profitable revenue growth across Data Center, Low Voltage, Fiber Infrastructure, and Mission Critical markets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Business Development & Sales Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic business development plans that support growth and expansion throughout the North Central Region.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities with Data Center, Hyperscale, AI, Cloud, Colocation, and Mission Critical customers.
• Establish and grow executive-level relationships with key customer decision-makers, client stakeholders, and industry influencers.
• Develop strategic partnerships with General Contractors, Technology Integrators, VARs, Electrical Contractors, and other service providers.
• Drive enterprise sales growth across new and existing accounts while maximizing cross-selling opportunities across all Network Connex business lines.
• Work with internal leadership teams to identify target markets, strategic accounts, and high-growth opportunities.
• Support customer acquisition strategies and account penetration efforts.

Customer Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain trusted advisor relationships with customers and strategic partners.
• Partner with Global Account Leaders and Program Management teams to coordinate customer engagement strategies.
• Identify customer business challenges and position NTI solutions that align with both operational and business objectives.
• Support commercial negotiations, proposal development, contract discussions, and account planning activities.
• Foster collaborative relationships between customers, Program Management teams, Area Directors, Project Managers, and operating teams.

Market Strategy & Industry Engagement

• Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, customer demands, emerging technologies, and competitive activity.
• Monitor developments within Data Center, AI, Cloud, Fiber Infrastructure, Telecommunications, and Mission Critical sectors.
• Participate in industry conferences, networking events, trade associations, and customer engagements.
• Provide market intelligence, customer insights, and strategic recommendations to leadership.

Sales Operations & Forecasting

• Maintain accurate opportunity pipelines, sales forecasts, and customer engagement metrics.
• Track and report key business development and sales performance indicators.
• Support sales planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting activities.
• Prepare regular updates and reports for executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Operations, Estimating, Engineering, Procurement, Architecture, Network Engineering, and Project Management teams to develop customer solutions.
• Ensure customer expectations and commitments align with operational capabilities and execution plans.
• Support successful project transitions from business development through project execution.
• Facilitate communication between customers and internal teams throughout the customer lifecycle.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Data Center, Hyperscale, AI, Cloud, Colocation, ISP/OSP, and Telecommunications markets.
• Working knowledge of structured cabling systems, including copper and fiber infrastructure.
• Knowledge of security systems, DAS, AV, ELV, and low-voltage technologies.
• Understanding of white space and gray space Data Center environments.
• Familiarity with GC-led, CM-led, and owner-direct contracting models.
• Experience supporting live Data Center operations and Day 2 deployment projects.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Excellent business development, sales strategy, and account management capabilities.
• Strong financial, technical, and strategic business acumen.
• Ability to partner effectively with executive leadership, customers, and operational teams.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and sales management tools.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25%-50% within the region.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Construction Management, Telecommunications, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting Data Center, Hyperscale, AI, Cloud, Telecommunications, Fiber Infrastructure, or Mission Critical markets.
• Proven experience in business development, strategic account management, sales leadership, or commercial operations.
• Existing industry relationships within the Data Center ecosystem strongly preferred.
• Technical certifications, industry accreditations, or sales certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in person and through virtual communication platforms.
• Ability to travel throughout the region to customer locations, events, and project sites.
• Must be comfortable visiting active construction sites and operating Data Center environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

NTI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NTI is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

NTI is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, interview process, or while performing the essential functions of the position, please contact Human Resources for assistance.