South Pole is a global climate solutions company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a climate-smart society. Since 2006, we've turned climate action into real-world impact — developing and financing emission-reduction projects, advising organizations on their path to net zero, and building one of the world's largest portfolios of carbon and renewable energy projects.
From our roots as an ETH Zurich spin-off to teams across the globe, we work with Fortune 500 companies, governments, foundations and NGOs to tackle the climate challenge from every angle: carbon finance, renewable energy, sustainable land use, climate strategy and beyond.
Join us and help build a more sustainable future — one project, one partnership, one climate solution at a time.
The role
The Sales Team is responsible for South Pole’s Key Account Management (KAM) and Business Development (BD) for South Pole’s advisory and certificates services. The team supports clients and prospects in advancing their corporate climate journey towards net-zero carbon emissions. Corporate needs and challenges are recognised, and tailored solutions are developed.
South Pole builds on a unique portfolio to support companies all through their climate journey: carbon accounting, ambition and target setting, reduction roadmaps, climate risks and opportunities, and climate-related financial disclosure. South Pole’s approach is characterised by integrity and respect towards clients, colleagues, and the environment. People are our main asset. We grow individually and jointly to unfold the potential of each team member. We instill pride in our diversity and enjoy the fun of working in a truly global team.
The focus of the Business Development Specialist is to increase our sustainability and climate impact by growing South Pole’s business in France, in coordination with the South Pole region covering France, Belgium and Luxemburg. In this role, (1) you support new business development of strategic prospects with all South Pole’s services and (2) you are responsible for a portfolio of clients and qualified prospects. You proactively manage the relationship with existing clients and prospects; you understand their needs; you develop tailor-made solutions and you work on offers and proposals. You handle negotiations of deals with clients and prospects.
Main tasks & responsibilities:
Be the main point of contact for a portfolio of existing clients and build trusted relationships with prospects
Understand client needs and their stakeholder environment to identify further business development opportunities
Proactively strengthen relationships with our clients and position South Pole as their preferred partner in the climate solutions field
When needed, manage negotiation and finalise deals with new and existing clients
Be involved in writing compelling proposals and contract preparation
Ensure client satisfaction by maintaining the high-quality standard of our services and anticipating their expectations
Attend conferences, trade shows and events to represent South Pole prospect meetings
Share know-how and market feedback within the company proactively
Contribute to the sustainable commercial success of the team and the company
Instill pride in the South Pole brand, inspire team members
What we're looking for
University degree in Sustainability and/or Business related discipline
At least 1-2 years of work experience with a high preference for experience in sales and/or the climate field
Track record in meeting and exceeding targets of any kind Results-driven and action-oriented with self-direction and sense of urgency
Excellent communication and presentation skills, in English and French (italian or other languages will be considered as a plus)
Advanced prioritisation and time management skills
Genuine passion and alignment to the climate change industry
Desired skills and experience
Climate action and carbon projects knowledge
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 and 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.
Skills Required
- University degree in Sustainability, Business, or a related discipline
- At least 1–2 years of work experience
- Experience in sales and/or the climate field
- Track record of meeting and exceeding targets
- Excellent communication and presentation skills in English and French
- Advanced prioritization and time management skills
- Passion for and alignment with the climate change industry
- Knowledge of climate action and carbon projects
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced international environment
- Experience using Salesforce
What We Do
South Pole is a Swiss carbon finance consultancy founded in Zurich in 2006. The company works in climate-focused finance and advisory services, helping organizations pursue emissions reduction and carbon-offset initiatives. It operates internationally and has more than 500 employees across 20-plus countries. Its mission and commercial activities are centered on addressing climate change through carbon-market expertise and sustainability-oriented solutions for clients worldwide.
