VP/Director of Business Development - North America

About Smart Wires

Smart Wires is reimagining the power grid with innovative transmission technology and analytics that enable a more reliable, flexible, and efficient power system. Our solutions help utilities integrate new generation, manage growing loads, enhance grid reliability, and improve affordability and resilience without the need for costly and time-consuming infrastructure expansions.

We collaborate with our customers to help them achieve their strategic objectives and navigate an evolving energy landscape with flexible, high-impact solutions. Our technology provides a scalable and modular approach to optimizing the grid, ensuring it can meet increasing electricity demand and support new industrial and commercial loads effectively.

We are seeking a VP/Director of Business Development for North America to drive commercial growth, expand market adoption, and develop strategic relationships that will position Smart Wires as the preferred solution for grid optimization and expansion.

The Position

The VP/Director of Business Development will lead Smart Wires' commercial strategy in North America, working closely with utilities, system operators, industrial customers, and policymakers to identify and secure new opportunities. This role requires a strategic thinker and proven sales leader with a deep understanding of transmission systems, utility planning, and grid modernization needs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and commercial background, a track record of closing complex deals, and the ability to translate grid challenges into actionable business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Leadership

• Lead sales and account management with utilities, system operators, industrial energy consumers, and policymakers.
• Drive pipeline growth by identifying opportunities where Smart Wires can help customers enhance grid reliability, manage load growth, and improve system resilience.
• Develop and execute customer-centric strategies, ensuring that Smart Wires' solutions align with utility needs, grid challenges, and regulatory priorities.
• Lead high-value contract negotiations and close deals that deliver long-term value to both Smart Wires and its customers.

Market Engagement & Strategic Positioning

• Leverage deep industry relationships to guide regional engagement strategies and product-market fit.
• Build strong partnerships with transmission owners, regulators, and policymakers to promote the adoption of Smart Wires' technology.
• Represent Smart Wires at industry conferences and events (IEEE, CIGRE, NARUC, etc.), advocating for grid-enhancing technologies as key solutions for modern power system challenges.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution

• Collaborate with engineering, analytics, and regulatory teams to shape solutions that address market needs.
• Work closely with regulatory and policy teams to navigate state and federal energy policies, positioning Smart Wires' solutions within evolving regulatory frameworks.

Contribute to corporate growth strategy, supporting Smart Wires' expansion in a rapidly evolving energy market.

Location & Work Environment

• Remote-based role in the United States.
• 30% travel required to engage with customers, attend industry events, and drive commercial opportunities.

Requirements

Required Skills & Experience

• 15+ years of experience in commercial roles selling high-tech solutions to electric utilities, particularly transmission companies.
• Deep knowledge of power systems, HVDC, FACTS devices, and/or grid modernization technologies.
• Proven expertise in consultative and technical sales, successfully leading multimillion-dollar contract negotiations.
• Bachelor’s degree (BE/BSc) in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Strong understanding of transmission planning, operations, and asset management.
• Track record of engaging with regulatory bodies and navigating energy policies.
• Excellent executive communication skills, with the ability to present technical and commercial concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience working at a transmission utility, EPC, or major power electronics OEM.
• Familiarity with the state and federal regulatory approval process for energy capital expenditures.

Benefits

Why Smart Wires?

At Smart Wires, we foster an inclusive, innovative, and fast-paced environment that enables our employees to make an impact. Our benefits include:

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits for employees and their families.
• Unlimited PTO
• A culture driven by collaboration, innovation, and accountability

Our Culture

We are passionate about creating a culture that empowers our team to drive meaningful change. Our values define how we operate:

• Making an impact – We are laser-focused on delivering real, measurable improvements in grid reliability, affordability, and resilience.
• Collaboration to drive success – We value diverse perspectives and know that the best outcomes come from teamwork.
• Accountability – We take ownership of our actions and outcomes, always acting with integrity and transparency.
• Tenacious courage – We push boundaries and challenge the status quo, knowing that real progress requires determination.

Smart Wires is committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including women, underrepresented communities, LGBTQ+, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.