Vp Business Development, Usa (Next Generation Photovoltaics Start-Up)

Our client is an advanced photovoltaics start-up company that pilots a proprietary technology to develop and produce high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon wafers directly from inexpensive raw materials, going directly from the gas phase to finished wafers. This unique, patented wafer manufacturing solution significantly reduces production costs, cementing solar photovoltaics huge cost advantage making solar the lowest-cost form of renewable energy available.

The company has its roots in research carried out at the acclaimed Fraunhofer Institute For Solar Energy Systems, and builds upon a proven and mature manufacturing process that has been used in industry at scale  for over 40 years. Our client’s breakthrough manufacturing process delivers unmatched competitive advantages – as a result the company is supported by some of the world’s most significant investment pools and sovereign funds and has significant buy-in from some of the most respected and experienced consulting groups.

Our client is a member of the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance, Solar Power Europe, and the European Solar Manufacturing Council.

Our client is expanding globally and is ramping production in 2024 in Europe and is currently standing up a manufacturing facility in Asia. Next step is the establishment of a giga-scale facility in North America.

TH Bender has been retained to seek and recruit a results-driven and hands-on Vice President of Business Development who shall play a crucial role in laying the foundation of the company’s success in the US market. This is a highly visible position; as the pioneer member of the US entity, the successful candidate will be responsible for forging and managing business partnerships with prospective partners and investors.

This position is located in the East Coast region, with Washington, DC Metro area preferred but other regions (i.e., NYC, Philadelphia, Wilmington etc.) will be considered.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive strategic targeting of key markets and players and leverage existing (and establish new) connections in industry, associations, and government for business growth opportunities.  
• Identify and evaluate potential partners and companies that are of strategic relevance to the company.  
• Cultivate relationships among the offtaker community (i.e., developers, module manufacturers, utilities, large power users etc.) with the objective to enter into offtake / supply agreements.  
• Work closely with federal and state level governmental organizations with the objective of receiving additional funding (i.e., DoE loans) to fund construction of plant(s). 
• Prepare business case analysis and reports as well as presentation materials. 
• Manage due diligence and contract negotiations. 
• Interface regularly with headquarters and cooperate closely with the colleagues of the global management team.  
• Proactive networking with industry associations and participation in conferences, meetings, trade shows, and other events. 

Key qualifications:  

• Several years of leadership experience in Business Development ideally from within the chemical process or photovoltaics/solar/renewable industry or related industries. 
• Extensive experience in building business relationships with prospective partners/investors within the targeted markets. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify and evaluate potential partnerships and deliver effective strategies to produce results.  
• Familiarity or background with the company’s products i.e., solar wafers and manufacturing technology would be desirable but is not required.  
• Outstanding ability to develop and execute comprehensive business proposals and negotiate complex contracts. 
• Sound understanding of commercial business practices and the ability to align business activities to support greater organizational objectives. 
• Global perspective and awareness, and direct experience working intercultural environment and/or across diverse cultures would be beneficial.  
• An existing network of industry contacts in relevant industries would be a strong advantage.  

Compensation:

• An attractive package consisting of base, variable compensation, benefits and long term incentives is available to attract high level talent.