Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure services to communities in more than 100 countries.
Our portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps our customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve.
By working with our customers to ensure their success, we help improve the quality of life, ensure the safety and promote the well-being of millions of people around the globe.
Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world.
**Business Development Manager (M/F)**
As part of an international and matrix organization, you report to the Sales Manager of Mediterranean countries and you support him with the development of sales activities in the region, with a special focus on our new growth initiatives and solutions:
- Streetlight and Smart Cities solutions
- Water Operation Management
- Meter Data Management (MDM) Software
- AMI-as-a-Service and Grid Management
- EVs, including grid planners, grid modernization
Thanks to your expertise in building long-term relationships and your understanding of technological solutions including hardware (sensors), software and services (SaaS, Analytics), you define and execute the business development strategy for the region, with the support of cross-functional teams including technical experts, Bidding Team, Product Management and Marketing, Legal, and Finance.
You are responsible for identifying new leads and business opportunities with prospective customers or existing accounts at executive level, including mainly Municipalities and Utilities.
**Main duties and responsibilities**:
- Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of our company solutions including Smart meters, Communication modules, Networks, Software and Services.
- Think out of the box and find new creative ways to promote the company and to penetrate the new vertical and growing market of Smart City.
- Perform incisive and insightful market and competitive research to develop existing business and new high-level client relationships.
- Act as the customers trusted advisor and develop a long-term customer relationship at executive and government official level.
- Understand client needs and tailor solutions through consultative approach.
- Identify, recruit, evaluate technical and business partners to address new markets.
- Prepare bids offers for clients working in a multi-disciplinary team, follow the execution of the projects and take care of the post project business evolution.
- Participate to tradeshows and events related to Smart Cities to increase Itron's visibility.
- Generate leads and grow existing relationships, maintaining an accurate, detailed opportunity list, and develop an active customer base along our long sales cycles.
- Develop and keep alive a pipeline of opportunities to build long term forecast.
- Travel up to 50% post Covid in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and other potential countries in the region.
**Preferred skills and experience**:
- At least 5 years of successful experience in complex sales and business development in an international context.
- Coming from an industry proposing complex solutions (hardware and SaaS) to enable companies, utilities, municipalities, and governments to improve their daily and long-term performances (Energy, Water, Automation sector, etc.
)
- Prior experience with public tender process would be an asset.
- Passion for sales, ability to generate new leads, build relationships with public officials, C-level stakeholders, and close deals.
- Curiosity, capability to investigate autonomously new leads, think out-of-the box.
- Tenacity, outstanding ability to convince others and to maintain effective business network.
- Excellent team-spirit and communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Fluent Italian and English skills are mandatory.
- Driving license is required.
**What we offer**:
- Position based in Italy, attached to our Sales office in Milan.
- Salary, commission, and company car + employee programs related to mental and physical health.
- Opportunity to actively take part in the transformation of cities and utilities for a smarter management of resources.
- International and multicultural working environment, which provides a unique opportunity to improve the way we support our customers by interacting with colleagues and partners from all around the world.
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