Director of Business Development (m/w/d)

Job Description

Our goal is to make clean power accessible, to accelerate the shift to zero carbon power and transport.

We’re building and operating the world’s most sophisticated battery systems to enable the uptake of more renewable power and accelerating fleet electrification, de-risking the transition to zero-emission transport at scale. We’ve been consistently innovative since we were founded in 2017, achieving major industry firsts and using proprietary software and data analysis to optimise operational performance for our customers. At the end of their life, we repurpose electric vehicle batteries to provide clean power at depots, on construction sites and film sets.

Today we have 730 MW of grid scale battery storage operational and under construction and are the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, supporting over 1,000 electric vehicles worldwide. In our first five years we have raised nearly £1.8 billion in funding and have expanded into other markets such as the US. Our rapidly growing company is looking for highly talented and motivated people to join us.

The Opportunity

As we expand into the North American markets, we are looking for an experienced leader in the industry to serve as Director of Business Development - North America. This role is imperative to maximizing Zenobē’s commercial value proposition to commercial fleet customers in the North American markets, specifically US. The role will report directly to the Executive Vice President – Business Development and co-lead of Zenobē EV Fleet in North America. We are looking to recruit a commercially and technically astute business development professional, preferably with experience in OEM sales, electrification, leasing and/or with heavy strategic school fleet focus. The ideal candidate will bring a good understanding of the transportation sector across verticals with the ability to help originate, develop, and realize opportunities. The role integrates with team members in finance, legal, commercial, engineering and construction to put together complex, high-value contracts and solutions. The role includes liaising with clients and external stakeholders as well as organizing, participating, and managing marketing events and memberships with industry organizations.

It is essential that you are experienced in managing numerous stakeholders (internal and external), that you welcome collaboration and building (teams, processes, etc.), and that you are comfortable representing a growing organization at a high level.

This is a unique opportunity to work in an entrepreneurial environment, building a new business in a fast-growing and rapidly-evolving sector (“start-up within a start-up”). At the same time, you will have the support from a company with over 250 team members that has a wide range of contracting, financing, procurement and operational experience gained to date from over 1,000 contracted e-buses worldwide. Self-starters and candidates able to thrive in a dynamic environment are desired as Zenobē intends to leverage its significant capabilities for growth in the North American markets.

A Bit About the Day to Day

• Leading origination and development of eBus projects in the school bus sector, specifically develop opportunities through direct-to-school and strategic OEMs and dealer networks.
• Identify and pursue opportunities presented through public procurement processes (municipal, school, etc.), that are fit-for-purpose with Zenobe’s offering
• Managing strategic customer relationships via account support and organic opportunity development
• Developing compelling propositions and competitive bids
• Refining and implementing the strategy for the US market for school and identifying opportunities to take Zenobe experience via other channels
• Support the build out and growth of business development team as Zenobē scales in North America
• Supporting day-to-day business case development activities of projects until the closure of the deals
• Liaising with HQ to support day-to-day business case development activities of projects until the closure of the deals
• Developing sales and marketing materials, speaking at and attending conferences as appropriate
• Being public face of the firm
• Helping manage client relationships post contract close as appropriate

Health and Safety

• Actively contribute to Zenobe's commitment to health and safety, wellbeing and sustainability by; integrating these principles into daily responsibilities, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment, promoting both the physical and mental health of self and colleagues, and adopting sustainable and energy-efficient practices to minimize environmental impact. By doing so, each employee at Zenobe plays a vital role in fostering a culture that prioritises overall safety, holistic wellbeing, environmental sustainability in our business operations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Be responsible for set sales targets, individually and across the team, as well as possible channel development across OEMs, manufacturers, and other service providers in the value chain
• Support and help build in Zenobē’s strategic planning process across numerous internal and external stakeholders
• Establish standards of practice and protocols to drive sales
• Support existing customers and opportunities with account management which will require heavy internal and external stakeholder management
• Coordinate, organize, and participate in marketing events which will drive Zenobē’s brand in the marketplace and enhance business development efforts
• Participate and be a voice in industry groups such as trade associations, etc. so as to affect desirable commercial awareness and outcomes in the marketplace on behalf of Zenobē
• Maintain and support existing client relationships to ensure customer loyalty, long-term satisfaction, and promote organic commercial growth
• Provide necessary diligence support on opportunities necessary for underwriting and business requirements
• Advise management on short-term and long-term strategic objectives, policies, and actions
• Other anticipated areas of support as necessary to fully realize Zenobē’s value proposition in the North American market(s)

Your Experience

• Fluency in English to business-level is mandatory
• Must have a background with demonstrated experience in business development, account management, sales, or other commercial, preferably within transport and/or fleet
• Broad understanding of fleet electrification [e.g. charge management, utilities, EVSE providers, OEMs, grant programs, etc.]
• Ability and experience in nurturing working relationship with both new and existing customers
• Ability to develop and maintain business relationships with clients to ensure a positive customer experience and drive business development
• Proficient in managing commercial workflow, negotiation, pricing, and other items as necessary to secure business opportunities
• Comfort and fluency in marketing and events
• Demonstrated ability for planning and organization, up to and including internal and external stakeholder management
• Ability to work across a number of internal stakeholders to fully realize ZE’s market offering in North America (i.e. Product, Delivery, Asset Management, Commercial Analytics, PMO,etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to be pragmatic, proactive, and solution-driven
• Natural leader with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Capable of working under pressure, against deadlines, and across multiple projects
• Flexibility in terms of work locations, encompassing a combination of remote work, office work, and on-site visits to conduct surveys and estimates. Note: this position requires a moderate-to-high amount of travel and sometimes on short notice

For Ilinois / NYC Compensation Description (annually):

Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location.

Base pay is one part of the total package that is provided to compensate and recognise employees for their work and any role at Zenobē, regardless of the location, is eligible for additional discretionary bonuses.

Base salary per annum:

USD$190,000 - USD$210,000

Our Benefits

We have an open, honest and trusting culture here at Zenobe. Apart from the unparallel opportunity to be at the forefront of the Net Zero revolution we are proud of the culture we have built. Here is what we can offer when you join the Zenobe community;

• At Zenobe we all work hard and go the extra mile so it’s important to rest and regenerate with 20 days holiday which increases after 5 years’ service
• 401k Scheme – Up to 4% matching
• Excellent opportunities for personal growth and responsibility plus a training budget
• Up to 33% performance related bonus
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance/ Reimbursement Plan
• Refer a friend bonus scheme

Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusion

Zenobe is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment which is as representative as possible of our society. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership pregnancy /maternity, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, political beliefs and sexual orientation. Our culture values meritocracy, openness, fairness, and transparency.