Associate Director Business Development

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.

Your main focus area will be Business Development in Japan, engaging existing and prospect clients and exploring business opportunities related to South Pole’s main business lines, including Advisory services to support Japanese companies along their climate and sustainability journey and Environmental Certificates (such as carbon credits and Energy Attribute Certificates) for voluntary action or compliance purposes under emerging carbon pricing schemes in Japan (e.g. GX ETS and CORSIA). You will establish and manage partnerships of strategic importance for the establishment and growth of South Pole’s activities in Japan.

Additionally, as Managing Director Japan, you are responsible for the management and growth of South Pole’s operations in Japan.You will lead the revision of South Pole’s go-to-market strategy and business plan for Japan. You will oversee the operations of South Pole’s legal entity in Japan (i.e. South Pole Japan KK)and fulfil high level corporate governance functions for this specific legal entity, including membership in the Board of Directors of South Pole Japan KK.

Furthermore, with support from HR and in close coordination with the Head of Sales APAC and Head of Advisory APAC, you will contribute to global processes related to strategy and budgeting with a focus on Japan. You will create a staffing plan for operations in Japan and oversee the recruiting and onboarding process of a core team in Tokyo that is capable of successfully growing South Pole’s presence in Japan. You supervise and manage the performance of team members reporting directly to you, and contribute to the supervision and performance management of other team members in Japan who may report to other managers in the region.

Job Summary

Primary Responsibilities : Business Development

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• You will build strong long-term relationships with existing and new clients, contributing to the growth ofSouth Pole’s market position in Japan

  
  

• You will contribute to the development and implementation of the go-to-market strategy and business plan

  
  

• Create new business opportunities to grow South Pole’s business around climate action in the region

  
  

• Develop compelling offers and proposals together with South Pole’s portfolio team, our product experts and consultants

  
  

• You will lead the creation of strategic partnerships with established organisations in Japan in order to accelerate South Pole’s market entry in Japan

  
  

• You will develop tailor-made solutions, in close collaboration with other teams such as marketing, advisory and portfolio management, to help clients to manage their risks and seize opportunities associated with climate change.

  
  

• You will proactively and independently expand South Pole’s carbon credits, energy attributes certificates and consultancy business in Japan, and in line with regional and individual business development targets; within this context you will take accountability for concluding commercial agreements with clients and business partners

  
  

• Maintain client satisfaction with existing clients in Japan through regular contact and ensuring high- quality services

  
  

• You will align closely with South Pole's project development teams to ensure a close alignment between Japanese market demands and the company's existing portfolio of carbon credits / EACs

  
  

Secondary Responsibilities : Managing Director, Japan

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• You will oversee the operations of South Pole’s legal entity in Japanand fulfil high level corporate governance functions for this specific legal entity, including membership in the Board of Directors of South Pole Japan KK

  
  

• You will develop, coach and inspire a local team capable of successfully growing South Pole’s presence in Japan, including performance management and recruiting tasks

  
  

• You will serve as the key liaison for legal, financial, and operational matters in Japan, in coordination with global functional teams

  
  

• Fulfil high-level corporate governance responsibilities as the legal representative, ensuring compliance with all local laws and regulatory requirements

  
  

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive office culture aligned with South Pole’s values and mission.

  
  

Requirements : Essential skills and experience

To succeed in this position, you must have:

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• University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline

  
  

• Japanese as native language

  
  

• At least 15 years of proven business development/sales and management experience with a high preference for experience in the sustainability field (renewable energy or carbon markets), corporate responsibility, sustainable development and/or climate change)

  
  

• Track record in generating new business development leads

  
  

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• Track record in meeting and exceeding sales targets

  
  

• Understanding of the business drivers behind corporate climate action and related initiatives (e.g. GX ETS, CORSIA, RE100, carbon neutrality, SBTI, SBTN, TCFD, SSBJ) 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 with strong business and commercial acumen

  
  

• Excellent English language skills, any other languages are a plus

  
  

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

  
  

• Genuine passion and alignment to the climate change industry

  
  

Desired skills and experience

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• Advanced prioritisation and time management skills.

  
  

• Advanced skills in G-Suite applications

  
  

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced international environment

  
  

• Experience using Salesforce

  
  

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.