Senior Business Development Associate (w/m/d)

Senior Business Development Associate - Certificates, DACH region

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:

South Pole develops and implements comprehensive emission reduction projects and strategies that turn climate action into long-term business opportunities for companies. As a Senior Business Development Associate - Certificates, you are tasked to proactively and independently expand South Pole’s carbon credits and energy attribute certificate business in your region, and in line with regional and individual business development targets.

The Senior Business Development Associate - Certificates will initiate and build strong relationships with new clients and existing clients in the DACH region. In addition, you will understand the client’s needs and develop tailor-made solutions for them. You will share your knowledge and market feedback with the wider sales team.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities based on the regional sales strategy.
• Initiate and build relationships with new clients in your region through regular contact.
• Understand client needs and their stakeholder environment to identify business development opportunities.
• Engage in business development efforts such as outreach to win new business.
• Write compelling proposals and participate in negotiations.
• Assist senior management in complex deal negotiations, contract development as well as account management tasks.
• Provide market feedback to Practice Leads, Business Line Managers, and the Marketing Team.
• Develop and improve specialised skills and knowledge linked to the topics and services offered by South Pole.
• Support senior sales team in further developing South Pole’s thought leadership, services, products, marketing materials and offerings.
• Take the proactive lead on specific solutions and coordinate with involved stakeholders.
• Participate in targeted client communication and joint marketing activities.
• Represent South Pole in client meetings, site visits, and at conferences.
• Share know-how and market feedback proactively within the company.

Requirements:

Essential -

• University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline.
• At least 3 years of proven business development and sales experience with a preference in the sustainability field, corporate responsibility, sustainable development and/or climate change.
• Track record in meeting and exceeding sales targets.
• Understanding of the business drivers behind corporate climate actions and initiatives (e.g. SBT, RE100, carbon neutrality) and the ability to formulate a business case
• Understanding of the concept of carbon offsetting as well as the voluntary carbon market
• Strong drive for results, action-oriented, with self-direction and sense of urgency
• Demonstrable commercial skills and good business sense so as to be able to identify and seize opportunities in a challenging and competitive market environment.
• Ability to challenge the status quo and think out of the box.
• Excellent English and German skills, any other languages is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, sense of responsibility and willingness to take initiative.

Desirable -

• Experience using Salesforce.
• Experience with outreach tools.
• Advanced prioritisation and time management skills.
• Advanced skills in G-Suite applications.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international 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; 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.