Business Development Lead

About the job

FuelFWD is revolutionising the renewable fuels sector with cutting-edge software that automates compliance and enhances traceability. Our AI-powered platform transforms manual workflows into efficient, scalable, and error-free processes, reducing costs and non-compliance risks. By enabling end-to-end traceability with blockchain technology, we help clients secure the premium value of sustainable fuels. Fresh off a successful seed funding round, we’re scaling up and ready to make a lasting impact.

The Role

As our Business Development Lead, you will join the management team and play a pivotal role in shaping and executing FuelFWD’s commercial strategy. Initially, your focus will be on driving sales growth: actively generating leads, qualifying prospects, and converting them into customers. You’ll build strong client relationships, establish trust in a conservative market, and secure key pilot projects and licensing deals.

At the same time, you’ll lay the groundwork for scalable growth, designing strategies and processes that evolve with the company. As sales traction increases and the commercial team expands, your role will shift toward a balance of strategic leadership and team development, ensuring FuelFWD stays ahead in a competitive market. This is your opportunity to combine hands-on execution with long-term vision in a fast-paced and high-impact environment.

As part of the management team, you will also have the opportunity to participate in our stock option plan, sharing in the success you help to create.

What will you do

• Generate Growth: Proactively identify leads, qualify opportunities, and close deals for pilot projects and SaaS licenses.
• Build Relationships: Develop trust with clients navigating significant change in a conservative industry.
• Refine Strategy: Design and execute a targeted sales approach, including a pricing model tailored to our niche market.
• Represent FuelFWD: Attend industry events across Europe, delivering compelling presentations to prospects and partners.
• Scale the Business: Once traction is established, help expand the commercial team and implement scalable sales processes.
• Collaborate Closely: Serve as the voice of the customer, relaying insights to the product team to enhance our offerings.

What you bring

We’re open to candidates with one of two distinct profiles:

SaaS Commercial Experience:
Proven track record of driving sales growth in B2B SaaS, ideally in startups, scaleups, or niche industries.
Experience building pipelines and closing deals for SaaS products, with a strong grasp of sales processes and tools (e.g., HubSpot).

(Renewable) Fuel Industry Experience:
Background in business development, sales, or commercial management within the (renewable) fuel industry.
Strong understanding of market dynamics and the challenges faced by fuel producers, traders, or compliance teams.

Regardless of your background, you’ll need:

• Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with the drive to “get out of the building” and make things happen.
• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Fluent in Dutch and English; additional European languages are a plus.
• Location: Based in the Netherlands, preferably within an hour’s commute of Rotterdam.
• Willingness to Travel: Comfortable with frequent travel across Europe and occasional intercontinental trips.

Preferred:

• Experience launching new-to-market (SaaS) products/propositions or driving commercial growth in conservative industries.
• Knowledge of CTRM, ERP, Accounting software or similar business software.
• Leadership experience, including team building and scaling sales operations.

Why join us

FuelFWD combines startup agility with scale-up ambition. You’ll have the freedom to execute bold ideas, drive sales growth, and shape the future of a rapidly evolving industry. Joining our management team means you’ll directly influence the company’s direction and long-term success. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our stock option plan, aligning your success with the growth of FuelFWD.

We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but aren’t sure you meet all the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what FuelFWD needs to succeed.