Business Development Associate

Who is CenTrio?CenTrio is a leading provider of sustainable energy services for higher education, healthcare campuses, and cities, managing utility infrastructures across 10 U.S. cities and serving over 170+ million square feet. We deliver efficient electricity, steam, hot water, and chilled water, offering reduced costs, lower emissions, and exceptional reliability. As a subsidiary of a global Infrastructure Investment Consortium, CenTrio benefits from strong financial backing and manages high-quality, long-term assets that ensure stable, growing cash flows.CenTrio is planning an aggressive growth strategy over the next 30 years, including expansion of existing district energy grids, new systems in cities where CenTrio already operates, growth of public-private partnerships with higher education and healthcare customers, an expanding power generation portfolio, alternative fuels and technologies, and services to new municipalities.Chicago is our largest system and a priority growth market, and this role is central to continuing to grow CenTrio's presence and pipeline in the region.Why Join CenTrio?CenTrio offers a dynamic and friendly work environment dedicated to nurturing a top-notch team culture, along with an array of fabulous benefits and perks.Medical, dental, vision, and Life & AD&D benefits starting first day of hireOption of supplemental Life & AD&D benefitsCompany-paid High Deductible Healthcare Benefit Plan401(k) plan with company matchTraining opportunities and career progressionCompetitive salary reflecting the value of skills and experienceDynamic, friendly work environment in a rapidly expanding industry with a national presenceRemote, hybrid, and in-office schedules available depending on job responsibilities24-hour Employee Assistance Program/HotlineCorporate discounts across travel, entertainment, home, auto, apparel, health and wellbeing, and other retail categories Job SummaryThe Business Development Associate is an entry-to-junior-level role designed for a motivated professional with 1-3 years of relevant experience who wants to build a career in business development within the district energy industry. This role blends two core focus areas: supporting the Chicago business development pipeline (prospecting, market analysis, and account support) and being a visible, active presence in the downtown Chicago Real Estate community to build the CenTrio brand and generate new relationships while maintaining existing relationships with longstanding partners in the market.This is a relationship-first role. The successful candidate will represent CenTrio at industry association events, engage with local real estate, engineering, and contractor communities, and support the Commercial Organization and Chicago Director of Business Development in converting those relationships into qualified leads and long-term customers. The role also provides exposure to financial analysis, proposal development, account management, and contract negotiation and execution, offering a well-rounded foundation for growth within CenTrio's commercial organization.This position offers a hybrid work structure, with office attendance and local travel expected as needed to support community engagement and customer-facing activity in the Chicago market. Specifically, regular meetings in the Chicago central business district are anticipated 3-4 days a week as in person outreach will be a core role function.Core ResponsibilitiesServe as a regular, active presence in the Chicago business and industry community to build brand awareness and identify new relationships and opportunitiesRepresent CenTrio at industry associations and trade organizations such as the International District Energy Association (IDEA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA), and other local and national industry groupsBuild and maintain relationships with local contractors, equipment suppliers, architects, engineering firms, real estate management companies, and sustainability firmsSupport lead generation and qualification by leveraging existing customer relationships and market outreach initiativesAssist in developing go-to-market strategies to reach key prospective customer targets in the Chicago marketAssist in developing and delivering proposals, presentations, term sheets, and deal memosSupport development, administration, and maintenance of Customer Account Management Plans for All Chicago customersSupport basic financial analysis, including financial modeling and scenario analysis, under guidance from senior BD team membersMonitor local market and economic conditions in Chicago and help assess their impact on new business opportunitiesProvide weekly/monthly/quarterly reporting on community engagement activity and pipeline developmentTravel within the greater Chicago area is required; occasional travel to other CenTrio markets (local and non-local) including overnight stays will be requireSupport early sales-cycle renewal discovery and renewal strategy for existing customersCold outreach to prospective customers within CenTrio’s geographic service regionManage and track calls, meetings, opportunities and contacts within Salesforce and actively maintain CRM data.Support renewal efforts for expiring customer contracts in the Chicago Market.Working Style to Be Successful in This RoleOutgoing and relationship-oriented, comfortable representing CenTrio at community and industry eventsHighly analytical with keen attention to detailDemonstrates strong initiative and follow-throughStrong oral and written communication abilities, able to engage both technical and non-technical audiencesCollaborative with excellent interpersonal skillsAdapts quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manages changing priorities effectivelySelf-motivated and proactive, able to work independently with minimal supervision while being a strong team contributorProcess-oriented with a high sense of ownership and intellectual curiosityComfortable with cold outreach to new prospective partners in personProfessional Experience & Knowledge1-3 years of experience in business development, sales, customer-facing, or commercial roles; experience in district energy, real estate, engineering, or infrastructure is a plus but not requiredGenuine interest in community and industry engagement, networking, and relationship buildingSome exposure to financial or commercial analysis is beneficial, though not required at this levelStrong commercial curiosity and an eagerness to learn the infrastructure and district energy industryAbility to support multiple projects, identify priorities, and meet deadlinesAbility to help prepare structured business materials and communicate complex material clearlyTechnical Skills & RequirementsBachelor's degree in business, engineering, real estate, or a related field preferredIntermediate MS Office skills, including Word, PowerPoint, and ExcelStrong verbal, written, and presentation skillsComfortable engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from operations staff and property managers to senior executivesStrong organizational and time-management skillsGood problem-solving skills, including the ability to help address issues on customers' behalfFamiliarity with Salesforce as a CRM platformKey RelationshipsCommercial Organization at CenTrio, and the broader Chicago market teamCenTrio's existing customer base in ChicagoThe City of Chicago - relevant permitting, planning, and sustainability officesLocal contractors, equipment suppliers, architects, and engineering firmsInternational District Energy Association (IDEA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Chicago Loop Association (CLA), and other trade and membership organizationsCenTrio's Engineering, Operations, and Finance teamsOther members of the industry community, including real estate management companies and sustainability partnershipsConditions of EmploymentSuccessful completion of Criminal Background Check and Drug TestTravel within the greater Chicago area is required; occasional travel to other CenTrio markets (local and non-local) including overnight stays will be requiredHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)CenTrio maintains a steadfast commitment to a proactive safety culture, with HSE being a collective responsibility throughout the organization. Your HSE accountability also encompasses:Promoting, ensuring, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for your fellow workers and yourself so that everyone goes home injury-freeWorking in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Industrial Regulations, Environmental Protection Act and Regulations, and HSE policies, programs, and proceduresIdentifying and reporting workplace HSE hazards and concerns to your supervisor immediately, and providing solutions where possibleImmediately reporting all work-related injuries/illness to your supervisor