Director of Business Development at Rural Spark

Job description

About the Role

The VP of Partnerships will lead the company’s efforts to grow the Rural Spark business globally. The key tasks include developing and implementing new consumer financing and

B2B sales partnerships, as well as developing new ways of partnering with global funders, in ways that are aligned to the organisation’s business strategy. You will also play a key role in external communications and branding, by participating at industry events, and developing relationships with opinion leaders and other stakeholders who could support the growth of the business.

The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director, play a key role on the leadership team, and be offered a competitive compensation package.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and execute the overall business development strategy.
• Grow and manage a network of distribution and sales partners.
• Develop a pipeline of prospective partners and execute a structured process to prioritise, reach out, qualify and close them where possible and appropriate.
• Develop new partnership approaches that could deliver strategic value to the business.
• Build relationships with energy sector leaders and government stakeholders to build the Rural Spark brand.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to public audiences and key stakeholder groups.

Does this sound like you?

• You have at least 5 years of B2B sales experience, from lead generation to close.
• You have at least 2 years of experience in BoP markets anywhere in the world.
• You have a track record of achievement in developing partnerships with senior
• external stakeholders, including development finance institutions and social enterprises.
• You have some exposure to consumer financing models for low income consumers.
• Ideally but not necessarily, you have exposure to the off-grid energy sector.
• Ideally, not necessarily, you have International Business Development Experience.
• You’re willing to get your hands dirty, travel to remote partner locations, work in a small but high-growth start-up environment.