Application Guide

How to Apply for Business Development Lead - Growth Management & Strategy, Senior Manager (Remote/Hybrid - US)

at Energy Solutions

🏢 About Energy Solutions

Energy Solutions is an innovative consulting firm dedicated to delivering market-based energy solutions that drive environmental impact. They focus on designing and implementing programs that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making them a leader in the clean energy transition. Working here offers the chance to contribute to meaningful climate action while collaborating with industry experts.

About This Role

As the Business Development Lead, you will drive growth by developing and managing 3-year strategic plans for Delivery Business Units, shaping opportunities before RFPs are released, and building a robust pipeline through market cultivation. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence the expansion of energy efficiency programs and help secure contracts that advance sustainability goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing market intelligence to identify new opportunities, meeting with utility partners to discuss upcoming RFPs, and collaborating with Delivery Business Units to shape solutions. You'll also update pipeline forecasts, prepare for proposal kickoffs, and analyze competitor strategies to refine your approach.

🎯 Who Energy Solutions Is Looking For

  • Experienced in complex business development or consulting with at least 7 years of relevant work, ideally in energy efficiency or regulated utility markets.
  • Skilled in pre-RFP opportunity shaping and solution design, with a track record of developing winning strategies for utility-focused procurement.
  • Deep functional knowledge of energy efficiency programs, utility procurement processes, and market dynamics, including regulatory frameworks.
  • A strategic thinker who can manage a high volume of pursuits while ensuring bids are competitive, compliant, and differentiated.

📝 Tips for Applying to Energy Solutions

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with energy efficiency programs and utility procurement, using metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., 'Led pre-RFP shaping that resulted in $X million in new contracts').

2

In your cover letter, reference Energy Solutions' mission and recent projects (e.g., their work with utility partners) to show genuine interest and alignment.

3

Prepare a brief portfolio or examples of opportunity shaping you've done, such as market analyses or solution designs that influenced RFPs.

4

Network with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and business development approach.

5

Research Energy Solutions' Delivery Business Units and mention how your experience aligns with their specific focus areas (e.g., commercial, industrial, or residential programs).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in shaping opportunities before RFPs are released, citing specific examples where your strategic input led to successful bids.', 'Highlight your knowledge of utility procurement processes and energy efficiency programs, demonstrating how you can navigate regulatory complexities.', 'Showcase your ability to manage a high-volume pipeline and prioritize pursuits while maintaining quality and compliance.', "Connect your personal passion for environmental impact with Energy Solutions' mission, showing that you're driven by more than just business growth."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review Energy Solutions' website and case studies to understand their current projects, client base, and impact metrics.
  • Research recent utility energy efficiency RFPs in the US to understand market trends and competitive landscape.
  • Look up Energy Solutions' leadership team on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and strategic priorities.
  • Read industry reports on energy efficiency market growth and regulatory changes to identify potential opportunities.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you shaped an opportunity prior to RFP release. What steps did you take and what was the outcome?
2 How do you prioritize opportunities in a high-volume pipeline? Walk us through your process.
3 What is your approach to building relationships with utilities and industry stakeholders?
4 Can you explain a complex energy efficiency program you've worked on and the key success factors?
5 How would you develop a 3-year business development plan for a Delivery Business Unit? What metrics would you track?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning energy efficiency or utility experience; this role requires specialized knowledge.
  • Focusing only on sales volume rather than strategic opportunity shaping and solution design, which are key to this role.
  • Neglecting to demonstrate understanding of regulatory and procurement processes; vague references to 'business development' won't suffice.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Energy Solutions!