Business Developer Geothermal Energy & Geological Applications

As a top European research centre, VITO and its 1,300 employees turn scientific insights into ground-breaking technological innovations, AI solutions and policy advice. We do so with a single objective: to help our world thrive for at least 1,000 more years.

The Environmental Intelligence unit within VITO offers expertise, knowledge, data, services, and solutions in the environmental domain. We leverage remote sensing, a key enabler in our space economy, combined with state-of-the-art data modeling and data analytics expertise.

From user needs to relevant technology and end-to-end support, from drones to satellite data, we provide insights for diverse applications in agriculture, vegetation, water & coast, climate, security, and infrastructure. VITO Remote Sensing doesn’t just observe the world; it actively engages with it. Our team serves an extensive network of customers and partners across more than 115 countries, offering Earth Observation solutions to both public organizations and industry. Our goal is to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable world.

As a Business & Relationship Developer for geothermal energy and geological applications, you are part of the VITO team of (hydro)geologists and reservoir engineers. You contribute to the realization of Flemish and international policies for energy, climate, environment and critical raw materials, and to projects for non-public partners.

• You build a network of customers and partners in Flanders and abroad who are involved in the development of geothermal projects.

• You identify opportunities for the valorisation of geothermal expertise that is developed at VITO’s geothermal energy research infrastructure (see https://vito.be/en/research/infrastructure/geothermal-energy-plant).

• You identify opportunities for the valorisation of VITO's geological expertise and knowledge in a range of societal applications: subsurface civil engineering, urban planning, natural resources and critical raw materials, environment, groundwater...

• You take the lead in preparing offers and proposal in which you work together with a team of experts. You work in close cooperation with the units Project Management Office to prepare and submit proposals and support the contract negotiation phase. You are responsible for the whole sales process, from first customer contact until contract signing.

• Based on the market needs, you determine which innovation processes or product developments have potential for successful valorisation.

=> It is an added value if, based on your (hydro)geological background, you can also provide technical support in geological and/or geothermal projects.

• You are a master or engineer in exact, applied or economic sciences, or equivalent knowledge due to experience. An education in (hydro)geology is a plus.

• You have demonstrable experience in geothermal energy and/or geological applications. Knowledge of the European market of geothermal and geological applications is a plus.

• You have demonstrable experience in business development.

• You are open-minded, curious and have an eye for new business opportunities.

• You are motivated to help put VITO on the Flemish and international map as a leading player in geothermal energy and geology.

• You are fluent in Dutch and English. French and German are a plus.

Offer

• You will be part of a growing research organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific based advice.

• You will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through breakthrough innovative applications. In this way, you help to provide answers to contemporary grand societal challenges.

• A competitive salary supplemented with various extra-legal benefits including allowances, insurance and a modular holiday package.

• Innovation is our most important asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to learn and further develop themselves both on the job and through training.

• We work ‘activity-based’ within VITO. Your activities determine your work location, with your home office as a possible work location. Work location in case of physical presence is mainly in Mol and only occasionally in our other offices.

• We highly value a good work-life balance at VITO. This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.