THE ROLE
We are now looking for a Business Development Director - Energy who can lead and accelerate Critical Software's growth in this domain. This is a senior role with real influence, expected to shape how Critical positions itself in the Energy market, where we focus our efforts, and how we translate technical excellence into long‑term customer value.
This role is not suited to high‑volume, transactional sales environments or off‑the‑shelf product selling. Instead, it is expected to play a key part in shaping Critical Software's long‑term position in Energy, defining where we focus, how we differentiate, and how we scale responsibly in this market.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Define and drive a clear, focused business development strategy for the Energy domain, aligned with Critical Software's long‑term vision
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Build and maintain a deep, up‑to‑date understanding of the Energy ecosystem
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Select, prioritise and develop market opportunities where Critical's safety‑critical expertise creates genuine differentiation
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Build strong, long‑lasting relationships with key stakeholders across the Energy sector, from operational leaders to executive decision‑makers, acting as a trusted partner rather than a transactional supplier
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Lead strategic account planning and long‑term client growth initiatives with selected customers
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Work closely with engineering, delivery and leadership teams to shape credible value propositions and proposals
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Lead complex, consultative sales cycles from early strategic discussions through to negotiation and deal closure
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Act as a reference point for Energy business development inside Critical, helping align leadership, engineering and delivery teams around shared priorities and opportunities
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Represent Critical Software with clarity and confidence at executive‑level meetings, industry events and strategic customer engagements
Note: This position is open to applications from Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, and is a single role to be filled globally.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- At least 10 years of experience in Business Development
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Significant technical or engineering background, paired with solid experience in business development within the Energy sector
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Proven ability to open doors, shape strategic deals, and navigate complex sales cycles and commercial landscapes with confidence
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A technically grounded leader who can drive business through credibility
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Consultative, relationship‑driven approach, comfortable engaging with senior and C‑level stakeholders
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Clear, confident communicator in English, with strong influence and negotiation skills
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Strategic mindset, resilience and a high sense of ownership
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Openness to travel and to represent Critical Software in key industry moments
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Commitment to embark upon regular EU travel and occasional wider travel outside EU
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Leads by example in leveraging AI tools to drive business development outcomes, inspiring the team to embrace new ways of working.
HOW YOU CAN INSPIRE
- You make hard calls quickly and with autonomy, taking decisions at your level rather than pushing every one upward, and you own what follows
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You focus effort where it actually matters and step away from the opportunities that are not right for Critical, rather than chasing every deal
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You see AI as the biggest shift of this generation and you act on it. You reshape how business development itself works with AI, you do not just adopt the tools, and you raise the bar for everyone around you
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You communicate with clarity and honesty, without ambiguity
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You bring urgency and positive energy in equal measure.
WHAT WE OFFER
We invest in the people who make it all possible. Here's what that looks like in practice.
- Private health insurance
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Employee Assistance Programme (mental health, legal, financial support)
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Home office support
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Extra holidays: 2 additional days after year one, more as time goes on
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Extra parental leave: 2 additional months fully paid
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Gradual return-to-work support: We'll help you ease back from long breaks
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Sabbatical programme for long-term employees
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Training, mentorship, and growth opportunities: we'll invest in where you want to go next
ABOUT CRITICAL SOFTWARE
Every day we work on missions across industries as diverse as aerospace, space, defence, transport, telecoms, government, energy, finance, and healthcare. Building better and safer isn't a slogan. It's how we show up in the world.
Critical Software is a proud Benefit Corporation: a for-profit business legally committed to positive impact on society, workers, the community, and the environment — in addition to profit.
We are an equal opportunity workplace. If you need any adjustment in your recruitment process to show us what you can do, please let us know.
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