Senior Business Development and Key Account Manager

South Pole; Lombardia; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

South Pole is hiring a Senior Business Development & Key Account Manager for Italy to drive growth in the Italian market and manage strategic client relationships. You will collaborate with global teams to deliver tailored climate solutions including carbon accounting, targets, and decarbonization roadmaps.

The role requires 4+ years in business development/sales in sustainability, plus strong Italian and English communication skills and a proven ability to close complex deals.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of proven business development/sales experience in sustainability/climate action or renewable energy.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to identify opportunities in a fast-paced market.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in Italian and English.
• Experience with Salesforce for opportunity management and reporting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional BD activities to expand South Pole’s market position in Italy.
• Cultivate relationships with new strategic prospects and build a robust sales pipeline.
• Develop customized commercial proposals with cross-functional teams.
• Lead negotiations and finalize agreements with new and existing clients.
• Represent South Pole at Italian and European industry events.

Skills

Sales experience

Climate sector knowledge

Italian & English fluency

Presentation skills

Negotiation

CRM Salesforce

Strategic account management

Education

University degree in Sustainability/Business/Engineering

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

South Pole is a global climate solutions company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a climate-smart society. Since 2006, we've turned climate action into real-world impact — developing and financing emission-reduction projects, advising organizations on their path to net zero, and building one of the world's largest portfolios of carbon and renewable energy projects.

From our roots as an ETH Zurich spin-off to teams across the globe, we work with Fortune 500 companies, governments, foundations and NGOs to tackle the climate challenge from every angle: carbon finance, renewable energy, sustainable land use, climate strategy and beyond.

Join us and help build a more sustainable future — one project, one partnership, one climate solution at a time.

The role:

South Pole’s Southern Europe (SEU) Sales team supports clients and prospects across Italy and the wider SEU region in advancing their corporate climate journey towards net‑zero carbon emissions. As a Senior Business Development & Key Account Manager in Italy, you will be responsible for driving South Pole’s growth in the Italian market. You will act as the primary interface for strategic clients, fostering long‑term relationships while identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities. You will collaborate closely with our global and regional sustainability experts to deliver tailor‑made, high‑impact climate solutions (carbon accounting, target setting, decarbonization roadmaps, and environmental certificates).

Main Tasks & Responsibilities:

Business Development:

• Lead regional business development activities to expand South Pole’s market position in Italy, in alignment with the SEU regional go‑to‑market strategy.

• Proactively identify and cultivate relationships with new strategic prospects, building a robust pipeline of climate‑related opportunities.

• Develop and execute compelling, customized commercial proposals by working cross‑functionally with consultants and product experts.

• Lead complex negotiations and finalize commercial agreements with new and existing clients.

• Represent South Pole at key Italian and European industry events, conferences, and trade shows to build brand authority.

Key Account Management:

• Serve as the main point of contact for a portfolio of existing clients, nurturing trusted, long‑term partnerships.

• Deepen client relationships through continuous engagement, understanding their unique stakeholder environment, and identifying up‑selling and cross‑selling opportunities (e.g., transitioning clients from certificate procurement to comprehensive advisory services).

• Coordinate deliverables with internal teams to ensure seamless service delivery and high‑quality standards.

• Proactively monitor client satisfaction and anticipate their future expectations within their climate journey.

Regional Contribution:

• Provide market insights and feedback to the SEU Regional Director to inform local strategy and service development.

• Act as an ambassador for the South Pole brand, instilling pride and motivating team members and clients alike.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the collaborative spirit of the SEU and broader global team

Essential Skills and Experience:

• University degree in Sustainability, Business, Engineering or a related field.

• 4+ years of proven business development/sales experience, with a strong preference for candidates with experience in the sustainability, climate action, or renewable energy field.

• Proven track record in generating new leads and meeting/exceeding ambitious sales targets.

• Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to identify and seize opportunities in a competitive and fast‑paced market.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills in Italian and English (French or Spanish are considered a significant plus).

• Advanced prioritization and time management skills, with a results‑driven, self‑directed mindset.

• Genuine passion for the climate change industry and alignment with South Pole’s corporate values of integrity and respect.

Desired Skills and Experience

• In-depth knowledge of carbon projects, environmental markets (Certificates/EACs/CACs), and climate advisory services.

• Experience in leveraging Salesforce for opportunity management and reporting.

• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, international matrix environment.

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 organisation.

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make and 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.