Business Development Director

Climate Robotics is a venture-backed startup based in Houston, TX. We are building the next generation of agricultural machinery to produce biochar, a powerful soil amendment that improves soil health and sequesters atmospheric carbon. We are looking for a dynamic Business Development Director to develop our strategic partnerships and grow our pipeline for biomass processing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Secure supply of tens of thousands of tons of biomass and thousands of acres of land per year
• Develop a pipeline of biomass sourcing and processing that aligns with Climate Robotics’ technology and corporate goals
• Coordinate equipment hauling/transportation logistics
• Propose and develop strategic partnerships
• Develop relationships with potential customers to cultivate a sophisticated understanding of their needs and purchasing habits
• Use a deep understanding of customer needs to develop and drive the sales strategy and execution of activities
• Partner with customers to enhance their operations and return on investment through consulting on agronomy and soil health
• Work closely with the executive team and field operations to align on sales strategy and ensure delivery of our contracted agreements
• Consult with the engineering team on customer feedback and suggested improvements
• Identify and develop new business opportunities to expand the profile and reach of Climate Robotics
• Track emerging markets and trends, map the competitor landscape, and advise the executive team on new opportunities, potential risks, and formulation of long-term objectives
• Fulfill requests for proposals (RFPs) from potential partners and customers
• Provide advice on distribution and promotion strategies
• Direct development of sales collateral, customer-facing web platforms, distribution, and promotion strategies
• Identify sponsorship opportunities, including nonprofit engagement
• Maintain deep knowledge of agronomy and agriculture business

Competencies:

• Ability to effectively communicate concepts, philosophies, and ideas to a diverse group of customers
• Strong managerial aptitude and the ability to explain concepts easily and articulate information to customers, management, and wholesale customers
• In-depth knowledge of the Agribusiness marketplace, manufacturing, product costs, logistic, territories, customers, geographies, competitor products, and capabilities
• Excellent understanding of basic farming operations
• Experience utilizing a CRM program, including establishing usage metrics and data collection methods
• Experience with analyzing sales data and trend reports
• Ability to present ideas or data in business- and user-friendly language
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to create and maintain strong rapport with employees, customers, and members of the public

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in one of the following: Agri-Business, Business, Marketing, Ag Econ or Agronomy; and
• 5+ years of hands-on, successful sales experience, retail and/or wholesale
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Authorized to work in the USA for any employer
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to travel 60% of the time

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical & Dental)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• 401(k)