Business Development Manager

South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Our Sales & Business Development team works hand in hand with our clients to help them identify the right products and solutions to address their sustainability challenges. Whether they are corporate clients or public institutions, whether they are looking to offset their carbon emissions or to engage in a comprehensive sustainability journey, we have a solution that will generate a lasting impact and take them a step further in their social ambitions. If you are a smart, ambitious and dynamic sustainability professional with a strong passion to make a real difference in the fight against climate change, the below position may be right for you!

Job summary:

The goal of the Business Development Manager is to grow South Pole’s business in the region.

• You will build strong long-term relationships with new clients as well as build South Pole’s market position in the region.
• You will contribute to the definition and implementation of the go-to-market strategy in your region and provide inputs for product and service development.
• You will develop tailor-made solutions, in close collaboration with other teams such as marketing, consultancy and portfolio management, to help clients manage their risks and seize opportunities associated with climate change.
• You will provide commercial guidance to the junior sales team and supervise them in client meetings.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Create new business opportunities to grow South Pole’s business around climate action in the region.
• Identify market trends, client needs and new business opportunities.
• Help refine and implement the go-to-market strategy for the region.
• Represent South Pole in client meetings, at conferences and remotely.
• Develop compelling offers and proposals together with the portfolio team, our product experts and consultants.
• Conclude commercial agreements with clients and partners, with assistance from senior management in more complex deal negotiation and contract development.
• Maintain client satisfaction with existing clients in Italy through regular contact and ensuring high-quality services.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to define customer segments, develop target lists and run campaigns.
• Provide market feedback to practice leads, business lines managers and marketing team.
• Support senior sales team in further developing South Pole’s thought leadership, services, products, marketing materials and offerings.
• Contribute to the sustainable commercial success of the team and the company.

Desired skills and experience:

• University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline.
• 5 or more years of proven business development/sales experience with a high preference for experience in the sustainability and/or climate field.
• Track record in generating new leads.
• Track record in meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Results-driven and action-oriented with self-direction and sense of urgency.
• Demonstrable commercial skills and good business sense to identify and seize opportunities in a challenging and competitive market environment.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills with strong business and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English. Proficiency in German would be preferred.
• Advanced prioritization and time management skills.
• Genuine passion and alignment to the climate change industry.

The following skills and experience are considered as a plus:

• Climate action and carbon projects knowledge.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment.
• Experience using Salesforce.

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organization.

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make; South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.