Direct Companies
Business Development Lead - Automation Solutions (Oil & Gas, Power & Water Divis
Direct Companies, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 57102
Role Summary
Do you combine deep technical expertise in industrial automation with a passion for business growth? Direct Companies is seeking a Business Development Lead – Automation Solutions to expand our presence in the Oil & Gas, Power, and Water/Wastewater sectors. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, this role will focus on identifying new opportunities, cultivating client relationships, and shaping solution strategies that position Direct Companies as a trusted partner in industrial automation.
You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and the Leadership team to translate client needs into high-value solutions—helping drive revenue growth, strengthen partnerships, and expand our impact across the energy and utility industries.
About Direct Companies – Energy, Power & Water Divisions At Direct Companies, we partner with some of the most respected organizations in the Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Water/Wastewater industries. From upstream production to grid‑scale substations to municipal water systems, we deliver tailored automation and control solutions that enhance uptime, safety, and operational intelligence.
Our team is hands‑on, forward‑thinking, and committed to shaping the future of industrial automation.
What We’re Looking For
5+ years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial systems within Oil & Gas, Power, or Water/Wastewater industries
Proven success in business development, client relations, or technical sales within engineering or automation environments
Strong understanding of PLC/SCADA systems, HMI, telemetry, and instrumentation
Demonstrated ability to translate technical capabilities into client value propositions
Excellent communicator skilled in relationship‑building, presentations, and solution storytelling
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred
What You’ll Be Doing Client & Market Development (45%)
Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in Oil & Gas, Power, and Water/Wastewater markets
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, OEMs, EPCs, and industry partners
Collaborate with internal teams to craft proposals, bids, and solution packages aligned with client needs
Represent Direct Companies at trade shows, industry events, and networking functions
Strategic Growth & Planning (25%)
Develop and execute regional business plans to drive growth across target industries
Analyze market trends, competitor positioning, and emerging technologies to inform strategic initiatives
Partner with leadership to forecast sales pipelines and establish growth targets
Solution Strategy & Collaboration (20%)
Work alongside engineering leads to shape client‑focused automation solutions
Translate customer requirements into actionable project scopes and technical recommendations
Ensure solution designs align with regulatory standards and industry best practices
Brand & Relationship Management (10%)
Strengthen the Direct Companies brand through trusted partnerships and consistent client communication
Gather feedback and insights to improve customer experience and long‑term engagement
Key Metrics for Success
New business and revenue growth across target sectors
Expansion of key accounts and partnerships
Client satisfaction and repeat business metrics
Market penetration and visibility within strategic regions
What You’ll Get
Competitive compensation package with performance incentives
Full benefits (health, dental, vision, life, disability)
401(k) with company match
PTO, paid holidays, and travel expense support
Professional development and industry training opportunities
Relocation bonus (if applicable)
Why Direct Companies? This is more than a sales role—it’s an opportunity to help shape how industrial clients adopt smarter, safer, and more connected automation solutions. You’ll join a growing, cross‑industry division and company where innovation meets impact, and where your work directly contributes to powering communities and critical infrastructure.
If you’re ready to drive growth and lead meaningful partnerships in the automation space,
apply today and help us build what’s next.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and the Leadership team to translate client needs into high-value solutions—helping drive revenue growth, strengthen partnerships, and expand our impact across the energy and utility industries.
About Direct Companies – Energy, Power & Water Divisions At Direct Companies, we partner with some of the most respected organizations in the Oil & Gas, Power Generation, and Water/Wastewater industries. From upstream production to grid‑scale substations to municipal water systems, we deliver tailored automation and control solutions that enhance uptime, safety, and operational intelligence.
Our team is hands‑on, forward‑thinking, and committed to shaping the future of industrial automation.
What We’re Looking For
5+ years of experience in automation, controls, or industrial systems within Oil & Gas, Power, or Water/Wastewater industries
Proven success in business development, client relations, or technical sales within engineering or automation environments
Strong understanding of PLC/SCADA systems, HMI, telemetry, and instrumentation
Demonstrated ability to translate technical capabilities into client value propositions
Excellent communicator skilled in relationship‑building, presentations, and solution storytelling
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred
What You’ll Be Doing Client & Market Development (45%)
Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities in Oil & Gas, Power, and Water/Wastewater markets
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, OEMs, EPCs, and industry partners
Collaborate with internal teams to craft proposals, bids, and solution packages aligned with client needs
Represent Direct Companies at trade shows, industry events, and networking functions
Strategic Growth & Planning (25%)
Develop and execute regional business plans to drive growth across target industries
Analyze market trends, competitor positioning, and emerging technologies to inform strategic initiatives
Partner with leadership to forecast sales pipelines and establish growth targets
Solution Strategy & Collaboration (20%)
Work alongside engineering leads to shape client‑focused automation solutions
Translate customer requirements into actionable project scopes and technical recommendations
Ensure solution designs align with regulatory standards and industry best practices
Brand & Relationship Management (10%)
Strengthen the Direct Companies brand through trusted partnerships and consistent client communication
Gather feedback and insights to improve customer experience and long‑term engagement
Key Metrics for Success
New business and revenue growth across target sectors
Expansion of key accounts and partnerships
Client satisfaction and repeat business metrics
Market penetration and visibility within strategic regions
What You’ll Get
Competitive compensation package with performance incentives
Full benefits (health, dental, vision, life, disability)
401(k) with company match
PTO, paid holidays, and travel expense support
Professional development and industry training opportunities
Relocation bonus (if applicable)
Why Direct Companies? This is more than a sales role—it’s an opportunity to help shape how industrial clients adopt smarter, safer, and more connected automation solutions. You’ll join a growing, cross‑industry division and company where innovation meets impact, and where your work directly contributes to powering communities and critical infrastructure.
If you’re ready to drive growth and lead meaningful partnerships in the automation space,
apply today and help us build what’s next.
#J-18808-Ljbffr