Business Developer Smart Energy & Built Environment

VITO is a driving force in the sustainability transition for both industries and governments, both domestically and internationally. We support our clients with advice and hands-on solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Within our Water and Energy Transition unit, more than 250 professionals work on solutions for complex challenges in the water and energy domain.

In this role, you will contribute to the development and growth of the digital product portfolio for our clients. You will explore and analyze the market while building sustainable relationships with partners and customers.

As a Business Developer, you will work closely with a team of R&D professionals and be part of a team of business developers focused on water and energy transition.

• As a Business Developer, you will work within the commercial team of the Water & Energy Transition unit.

• You will be responsible for acquiring major international and sometimes national collaboration agreements and contracts in the broad field of energy and sustainable urban development.

• You will be in charge of submitting large and complex tender dossiers with various international partners for international funding institutions (such as EuropeAid, the World Bank, etc.).

• To achieve this, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, administrative assistants, and commercial colleagues.

• You will position VITO's research in external bilateral and multilateral contacts and engage governments, international organizations, research centers, and businesses.

• You will actively expand the contract portfolio through networking (attending forums and events), international prospecting (visiting potential clients and partners), maintaining contacts, and monitoring market developments.

• Your time allocation will approximately be: 30% on client contacts and networking, 40% on tender dossier preparation, and 30% on internal meetings and information exchange.

• You will travel internationally about 1-3 times per quarter.

• You will define and initiate commercial strategies and coordinate actions to research and influence the market.

• With your market knowledge, you will strengthen the product and market strategy of the research teams.

• Together with your colleagues, you will ensure a smooth commercial process within the unit, across units, and with the corporate International Office.

• You will report directly to the Unit Valorization Director.

• You have a master’s degree in a relevant field (economics, finance, international business, applied sciences, etc.).

• You have at least 6 years of experience in international consultancy/sales, preferably in the field of energy and/or urban development.

• You have an extensive network relevant to further expanding your contract portfolio.

• You are passionate about technology, innovation, and transition processes towards sustainable energy supply and urban development.

• You have insight into the role of policy and industrial stakeholders at an international level.

• You have strong communication skills; you can clearly present and report on our research and service offerings both orally and in writing.

• You are experienced in project management and capable of successfully handling complex dossiers.

• You are entrepreneurial, driven, and able to inspire others.

• You act as a partner-advisor; you have strong empathy skills, can capture the essence of questions, and seek feasible and innovative solutions.

• Excellent command of English is essential.

• You reside in Belgium or a neighboring country, with an in-office presence in Genk required 1-2 days per week.

Offer

• We work 'activity-based': your activities determine your workplace. On average, you are expected at our office in Genk twice a week. Hybrid work arrangements and/or working in a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Leuven, Ghent, Ostend or Mol is possible.

• An attractive salary package supplemented with extra-legal benefits such as allowances, insurances and a modular holiday package.

• A great deal of freedom and flexibility in your job that enables you to achieve an attractive work-life balance.

• Innovation is our core value, we give our employees the opportunity to educate themselves and keep up to date within their field of expertise, moreover, we expect it.