Business Development Manager – Performance Products Rig Automation

Responsible for driving new Nabors Drilling Solutions business and long-term customer value across the Lower 48 by translating rig performance challenges into measurable operational and financial outcomes. This Houston-based Technical Sales role goes beyond product selling—acting as the bridge between drilling operations, automation technology, and commercial decision-making.

The role is primarily focused on scaling Performance Products and Rig Automation by quantifying ROI, improving rig efficiency and consistency, and enabling customers to safely automate repeatable drilling workflows.

This role exists to ensure customers clearly understand:
•    Why performance improves, not just how the technology works
•    How automation translates into dollars, not dashboards
•    Where value is created on the rig, not just in the software

Success is defined by customer outcomes, not transactions.

Responsibilities

Translate operational pain points into business cases

•    Convert drilling inefficiencies, variability, and non-productive time into clear performance and cost improvement opportunities
•    Quantify ROI using rig KPIs (ROP, footage/day, flat time, consistency, efficiency, crew workload reduction)

Commercialize performance and automation outcomes

•    Lead full-cycle sales from opportunity identification to contract closure, anchored on value realization
•    Position Rig Automation and Performance Products as enablers of repeatable execution, safer operations, and improved capital efficiency

Enable customer decision-making

•    Engage drilling, operations, and executive stakeholders with tailored technical and commercial narratives
•    Move conversations from “technology evaluation” to “performance commitment”

Drive adoption and expansion

•    Partner with operations, product, and engineering teams to ensure value delivery aligns with commercial promises
•    Support pilots, scaling strategies, and long-term agreements tied to performance outcomes
•    Keep management and sales team members informed of all relevant activities
 #LI-JA1

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

•    5+ years of experience in Oil & Gas Sales
•    Knowledge of US Land Oil & Gas Market 
•    Knowledge of automated drilling rig equipment/software is highly preferred.
 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Technical, Business or related degree 
•    Deep understanding of US Land drilling rig operations and workflows 
•    Proven experience selling oilfield technology, automation, or SaaS—preferably value-based or outcome-driven 
•    Strong commercial acumen with the ability to independently structure and close complex deals 
•    Comfortable quantifying and defending ROI, payback periods, and performance guarantees 
•    Trusted communicator across technical and executive audiences 

BEHAVIORAL COMPENTENCIES:

•    Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication is paramount. BDMs need to convey ideas clearly, negotiate deals, and build relationships with clients and partners.
•    Adaptability: Markets and industries evolve, and a BDM must adapt to changing circumstances and pivot strategies as needed.
•    Problem-Solving: BDMs encounter various challenges during the business development process. They should be skilled at identifying problems, analyzing data, and finding creative solutions.
•    Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills are essential for reaching mutually beneficial agreements, closing deals, and managing client relationships.
•    Resilience: Rejection and setbacks are common in business development. BDMs need the resilience to persevere and bounce back from disappointments.
•    Empathy and Relationship Building: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues requires empathy and the ability to understand the needs and concerns of others.
•    Strategic Thinking: BDMs should have a strategic mindset, capable of setting long-term goals and aligning business development efforts with the company's overall strategy.
•    Networking: Effective networking is crucial for identifying opportunities and building a professional network. BDMs should be skilled at connecting with industry peers and potential clients.
•    Time Management: Business development often involves juggling multiple tasks and priorities. Effective time management ensures that opportunities are not missed and goals are met.
 

TECHNICAL COMPENTENCIES:

•    Market Research and Analysis: BDMs must be proficient in conducting market research, analyzing industry trends, discuss technical aspects of the products, and gathering data to make informed decisions.
•    Sales Techniques: Understanding various sales methodologies, techniques, and the sales process is vital for BDMs involved in selling products or services.
•    Product/Service Knowledge: A deep understanding of the company's products or services is essential to effectively communicate their value to clients and prospects.
•    Financial Acumen: BDMs should have a basic understanding of financial principles and the ability to assess the financial viability of potential deals.
•    CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Systems: Proficiency in using CRM software is often required to track leads, manage client relationships, and analyze sales data.
•    Data Analysis: BDMs may need to analyze sales data, customer behavior, and market trends to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.
•    Competitor Analysis: Understanding the competitive landscape and how the company's offerings compare to competitors is crucial for making strategic decisions.
•    Legal and Contractual Knowledge: Depending on the industry, BDMs may need to understand legal and contractual aspects of deals and partnerships.
•    Digital Marketing Skills: In today's digital age, familiarity with digital marketing tools and strategies can be valuable for reaching and engaging potential clients.
•    Project Management: Some BDM roles involve managing projects related to business development initiatives, so project management skills can be beneficial.

Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Nabors does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

About UsNabors is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in about 20 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible hydrocarbon production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower carbon world.