Business Development Lead – Carbon-Free Hydrogen and industrial materials

🚀 Join Spark Cleantech : At the Heart of Sustainable Innovation 🌱 Sector: Deep Tech / Cleantech / Innovation ✨ Who We Are Spark Cleantech is developing an innovative methane plasmolysis technology that enables the simultaneous production of low-carbon hydrogen and high-quality carbon black. The technology enables methane to be converted into two high-value, low-carbon products with low electricity consumption. As a result, it allows carbon-free hydrogen to be sold at a competitive price and solid carbon at market price, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The value provided by Spark's two co-products enables heavy industry to decarbonize while remaining competitive. In a context of strong growth and industrial scaling, the company is strengthening its commercial team to accelerate its expansion across European and international markets. Our team is passionate, positive, and committed to building a cleaner future. If you’re looking to join a high-impact, ambitious, and innovative project, we’d love to hear from you! 🎯 Your Role As part of the Sales department, reporting to the VP Marketing & Sales, your main mission will be to contribute to defining, structuring, steering, and executing Spark Cleantech's commercial strategy. The role involves securing partnerships with heavy industries wishing to convert their high-temperature processes to hydrogen. The purpose of these long-term contracts is to install, finance, and operate Spark units on industrial sites to convert gas into hydrogen to fuel furnaces. Besides the hydrogen, these units will produce high-quality solid carbon. The job therefore also involves securing sales contracts with customers who use solid carbon-based materials (rubber, batteries, refractories, paints, cables, etc.). Your main responsibilities will include: Market Analysis & Strategy Conduct market studies, competitive analyses, and assessments of strategic segments. Contribute to the definition of the commercial strategy, offering development, and prioritisation of target segments. Business Development & Client Management Develop, contract with, and retain clients in low-carbon hydrogen segments. Identify new business opportunities, qualify prospects, and lead negotiations through to contract signature. Ensure regular follow-up with European clients, including frequent autonomous travel. Technical Interface & Co-Development Translate customer needs into detailed and value-added technical specifications. Work closely with our Carbon Product Lead. Work closely with our Product, Technology, Operations departments. Partnerships & Ecosystem Build and strengthen long-term industrial partnerships, particularly with heavy industry and material specialists, both small niche players and large international corporations. Represent Spark Cleantech at international events, conferences, and trade shows. 🧠 Your Profile Engineering degree (prefered) or business school background. A dual technical/business profile is highly valued. 10 years of experience in a similar role within hydrogen and/or materials industry An experience within an industry using carbon black (rubber, elastomers, coatings, tyres) is a plus Solid command of business models related to the design, financing, construction, and operation of industrial plants. Proven track record in B2B sales, negotiation, and long-term client retention within industrial materials markets. Strong understanding of purchasing processes on both supplier and customer sides. Ability to manage complex and long sales cycles in demanding industrial environments. Strong technical credibility and ability to interact effectively with R&D and technical experts. Long-term strategic vision combined with strong negotiation skills. Fluent English is required. Fluent French is recommended, German or Spanish is a plus. High level of autonomy, rigor, and ability to structure, prioritise, and drive initiatives independently. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to repres...