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 Lead Business Development and Key Account Management is to grow South Pole’s business in the DACH region and to particularly build South Pole’s market position in Germany. You will build strong long-term relationships with South Pole's existing clients base and grow our business with new clients. You will contribute to the definition and implementation of the go-to-market strategy in your region and provide commercial guidance and support to the sales team. You will develop tailor-made solutions, in close collaboration with other teams such as marketing, communications, consultancy and portfolio management, to help clients manage their risks and seize opportunities associated with climate change.

Main responsibilities

• Grow South Poles market share in Germany by winning new clients
• Identify market trends, client needs and new business opportunities and provide market insights and critical inputs to the Head of Climate Solution subregion to help defining the regional go-to-market strategy and jointly develop local sales strategies
• Manage South Pole key clients and strengthen our client relationships. Manage a team of business developers and account managers
• Represent South Pole in Germany in client meetings, at conferences, trade shows and other commercial occasions.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to design local campaigns
• Commercial guidance and support to the sales team in the region
• Share experience and knowledge across teams and across the regions

Essential profile requirements:

• University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline
• At least 8 years of proven work experience in sustainability (renewable energy or carbon markets), corporate responsibility, sustainable development and/or climate change in client-facing roles in Germany
• Excellent business development experience with a track record in meeting and exceeding ambitious sales targets
• A strong network of corporate clients in Germany, Switzerland and Austria
• Sound understanding of the business drivers behind corporate climate actions and initiatives (eg SBT, RE100, carbon neutrality) and the ability to formulate a business case
• 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
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills within strong business and commercial acumen
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Excellent German and English skills, any other languages is a plus
• Team lead experience

Desirable requirements

• Entrepreneurial mindset, sense of responsibility and willingness to take initiative
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment
• Entrepreneurial mindset, sense of responsibility and willingness to take initiative

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.