New Business Specialist

Job Title:  New Business Specialist Location: Columbus, OH Way of Work : Hybrid, 3 days in-office (Tuesday - Thursday) Job Summary The New Business Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for prospective customers and plays a critical role in achieving New Customer Addition and revenue goals. This role is responsible for answering the company’s toll‑free New Business line and responding to customer inquiries related to new service opportunities. The Specialist secures customer commitment to utilize natural gas solutions over alternative fuels by providing expert guidance throughout the customer onboarding process. This position proactively manages new business opportunities across assigned territories while delivering exceptional customer service supported by strong knowledge of the natural gas industry and both residential and commercial equipment applications. The New Business Specialist is highly detail‑oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities, adapting quickly to changing business needs, and maintaining accuracy in a fast‑paced environment.  The Specialist works closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure efficient project execution, effective communication, and high levels of customer satisfaction. Essential Functions Accurately designs and manages the order management of customer requested gas and electric services, upgrades, relocates and other New Business cases; utilizes effective techniques for planning and tracking. Reviews CAD drawings, prepares permits, easements, other miscellaneous documents for the design of gas and electric New Business cases. Assesses customer requirements and expectations to recommend specific products and solutions. Encourages conversion from alternate fuels to natural gas. Analyzes project parameters and determines factors and recommendations for contract preparation. Determines contract parameters in a manner that satisfies customers and complies with regulatory policies. Manages customer requirements from the initial needs to the final delivery of gas and electric utilities. Provides an exceptional level of customer service in-person, via telephone, and electronic communication. Provides solutions that effectively meet the needs of the customer and Company while complying with all applicable standards. Calculates commercial hourly demand and annual fuel utilization. Develops positive working relationships with internal and external customers and stakeholders through both direct and indirect communications. Assists in the restoration efforts of customer power outages. Other duties as assigned.

High School Diploma Zero (0) to one (1) year of experience in gas and electric distribution work management principles. Strong communication and presentation skills. Basic knowledge of energy products, services, end-use applications Strong computing skills including but not limited to the Microsoft 365. Exercises independent judgment and initiates solutions. Ability to work collaboratively to accomplish business goals. Excellent problem solving & decision making skills Ability to meet pressured deadlines within time constraints. Ability to manage multiple priorities. Travel may be required. Preferred Additional Qualifications Bachelor's degree Prior utility experience Ability to read/interpret construction prints, understand and apply basic surveying principles. The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not