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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

Posting End Date (if applicable):

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.