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 Japan. You will build strong long-term relationships with new clients as well as build South Pole’s market position in Japan. 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 to 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 Japan

• Identify market trends, client needs and new business opportunities

• Help refine and implement the go-to-market strategy for Japan

• Represent South Pole in client meetings, at conferences and remotely

• Develop compelling offers and proposals together with 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 Japan 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

Requirements:

Essential -

• University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline

• Several years of proven business development and sales experience in the sustainability field (renewable energy or carbon markets), 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, CDP, RE100, net zero) and the ability to formulate a business case

• Strong drive for results, action-oriented, with self-direction and sense of urgency

• Ability to challenge the status quo and think out of the box

• Critical thinking and decision-making skills with strong business and commercial acumen

• Ability to successfully navigate complexity and effectively deal with ambiguity

• Excellent Japanese and English skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Advanced skills in G-Suite applications

• Solution-oriented and creative mindset

Desirable - 

• Entrepreneurial mindset, sense of responsibility and willingness to take initiative

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment

• Experience in leading a small team

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.