Business Developer – APAC

About us

SolarDuck is a fast-growing, Dutch-Norwegian cleantech company pioneering the technology to bring solar PV to the seas. The company (a spin-off of Damen Shipyards, a leading Dutch shipbuilder) was founded in 2019 by a team of experienced entrepreneurs from the maritime industry. SolarDuck is headquartered in the Netherlands and has presence in Japan and Norway.

Fueled by the vision to electrify the world with offshore floating solar to solve the problem of land scarcity, SolarDuck has developed a unique technology to bring solar PV, the fastest-growing source of renewable energy, offshore. In this way, enabling energy consumers across the sunbelt and beyond to access affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

SolarDuck´s technology and organization are maturing rapidly. Two years ago, the company launched its first demonstrator in the Netherlands. This year, SolarDuck will be launching a full-scale pilot in the North Sea, as well as the first pilot project in Japan. The commercial team is already busy establishing strategic partnerships and developing SolarDuck´s first commercial, grid-scale projects.

Rapid growth requires a team which identifies with the company´s vision, gets energized by solving meaningful challenges and has the capacity to execute. If you feel this is a team for you, then we would like to get to know you!

The role

We are looking for a Senior Business Developer for the APAC region. This is a new position within the CCO (Chief Commercial Officer) organization, reporting directly to our Head of Business Development APAC, and will work closely together with the Tender management department.

This role will be central to delivering on the ambitious growth plans of the company by leading the regional business development efforts and by building the commercial infrastructure of the company. Working closely with the CCO and the Business Development leadership team, the Senior Business Developer APAC will have a unique opportunity to shape the company´s strategy, her/his own role and create tangible impact. Focus will be on the APAC region, with as a core market Japan, as well as markets like South-Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Business Developer APAC will be responsible for ensuring the successful commercialization and scaling of SolarDuck´s technology in the region. Key responsibilities will include:

• Support business development strategy development and execution
  • Research and identify high priority countries and markets
  • Assess best go-to market strategies: organic, partnerships and M&A.
• Support regional business development efforts:
  • Grow, mature and actively manage the regional business development pipeline
  • Lead project screening and origination
  • Identify a sharp value proposition (and consortia constellation) for each project, including financial/cost modelling and financing opportunities
  • Identify, engage and close high-impact partnerships/M&A opportunities to accelerate commercialization
  • Lead commercial contract negotiations with a wide variety of counterparties, which can include customers, partners, authorities and project developers.
  • Provide support and assistance to other teams such as finance and project execution
• Support efforts to build SolarDuck´s commercial infrastructure:
  • Project screening and origination – Financial and cost model (projects), project screening tool
  • Market intelligence function (competitors, markets, industry)
  • Best practices (due diligence, business development pipeline, partner selection criteria, decision gate methodology)
  • Streamline & standardize commercial documentation (contracts, presentations, etc.).
• Leverage and expand networks in the region to position SolarDuck for success, such as industry associations, regulatory authorities, project financing institutions, etc.

Skills & experience

What you deliver is just as important as how you deliver at SolarDuck. We are looking for an experienced professional who is a team player motivated by meaningful challenges. Some of the desired experiences/qualifications are listed below but SolarDuck is an equal-opportunity employer and we are prepared to consider stand-out applicants with a unique set of skills, qualification, and attributes:

• 5-10 years top tier energy industry experience/consultant
• Experience with business development, financial modelling and commercial negotiations. Experience with strategy development will be an advantage.
• In depth knowledge of the renewable energy space in the region – trends, market dynamics, projects, and access to relevant regional network (regulators, government agencies, developers & investors, EPCI contractors, financing institutions, etc).
• Higher education (economics/business/engineering), Masters/MBA preferred
• International experience, either having worked abroad or in international companies, and flexibility to travel internationally.
• Some project management skills to support in realizing the projects.
• Proficiency in Japanese and English, language/s are other target market are an advantage. Experienced in Japanese and European/US cultural and business ethics.
• An ability to present in public and network
• Ability to adapt and learn fast, to take initiative with analytical mindset and sense of teamwork
• Identifies with company´s vision and mission
• Resilient, result oriented, able to work with deadlines and proven experience in closing deals.

What we offer

Be part of a fast growing, mission-driven team which works tirelessly to electrify the world with offshore floating solar!

• An attractive compensation package, including a share program and a competitive salary
• Hybrid work and competitive holiday package
• A workplace which:
  • Is committed to being a leading player in helping the world secure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy
  • Is proud of its remarkable team of professionals, keen to share and learn from each other, fostering an inclusive work environment, where people can be themselves and every idea is valued
  • Offers a unique opportunity to continue to invest in your personal and professional growth both on the job and through structured training & learning opportunities.

Location & travel

Physical work location will be Tokyo, Japan. Hybrid working conditions will apply, combining remote and in-person work.

Some international travel must be expected including project locations globally, events, etc.

Contact

Please contact us at career@solarduck.tech

Applications

Please send us your CV and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline for application is XXX.

Work permit

All applicants must have a valid permit to work in Japan.

Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.