Director of Commercial Development - EV North America

Zenobē • Chicago, IL

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

Zenobe is seeking a Director of Commercial Development with strong financial and/or infrastructure acumen to report to the EVP of Development and Partnerships. The company has recently announced landmark transactions in the e-bus Public Transit and e-truck leasing in North America and is establishing a dedicated team to sell, execute, and deliver turnkey electric vehicle solutions to B2B and B2G customers (Truck, Bus, Commercial fleets). The role involves driving new business, working cross-functionally with Business Development, Corporate Finance, Legal, Technical Sales, and Delivery teams. This includes originating and executing transactions, bidding into large Government infrastructure/P3-style tenders, and mentoring junior team members. Key stakeholder relationships will include customers within Public Transit Authorities, Bus Operators, other Fleet Companies, and OEMs of eBuses and chargers. The role is ideal for individuals with a strong track record in P3/Infra or Project Finance looking to expand their commercial role. Experience in structuring, finance, and bidding/tenders will be prioritized over specific experience in Electric Vehicles or Charging. A background in Vehicle and Equipment Leasing is also favorable.

Requirements

• Competent in managing, developing and building customer relationships (familiarity with government tender and procurement processes would be a significant advantage).
• Origination skills to be able to identify and develop new transaction opportunities.
• Strong Structured Finance background such as Project Finance / P3-Infra experience (experience on the Lender or Financial Advisor side would be viewed favourably as would experience on the Sponsor/Borrower side leading commercial bids).
• Excellent credit risk skills and a high-level knowledge of accounting and tax.
• Experience in vehicle and equipment leasing would be highly beneficial.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to lead client proposals / pitches / tenders and internal credit / capital approval processes.
• Help manage legal and commercial negotiations and be able to execute transactions, with a strong attention to detail in the execution phase.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced working environment with multiple ongoing tasks.
• A background in Civil and/or Electrical Engineering would be highly beneficial.
• Leadership and management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Electric Vehicles or Charging
• Vehicle and Equipment Leasing background
• Experience on the Lender or Financial Advisor side of Project Finance / P3-Infra
• Experience on the Sponsor/Borrower side leading commercial bids
• A background in Civil and/or Electrical Engineering

Responsibilities

• Supporting origination and execution of Zenobe’s EV, battery, and charging finance products and services, including managing customer relationships.
• Bidding to Government and other public sector customers (PPP / P3): Identify bidding opportunities such as Requests for Proposal and ensure Zenobē is appropriately registered and pre-qualified for key opportunities.
• Pro-actively support the origination of opportunities in cooperation with the VPs and other Business Development leads for unsolicited bids and other non-competitive opportunities.
• Develop complex financial models to assess the viability of PPP bids, including forecasting revenues, costs, and profitability.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks associated with PPP projects, such as construction delays, cost overruns, and revenue fluctuations.
• Working with legal and commercial teams to negotiate favourable terms in PPP contracts, particularly regarding financial provisions and payment mechanisms, and ensuring broad alignment with sub-contract risk positions.
• Prepare papers and present these to Investment Committee.
• Bidding to private, commercial customers (School Bus Operators and other Fleet Owners): Land customer mandates for Zenobē’s finance/as-a-service propositions to generate targeted levels of income meeting the necessary levels of returns and executing the customer transaction.
• Prepare client presentations, transaction proposals, term sheets and investment committee papers, presenting these to customers and senior Internal stakeholders.
• Manage commercial negotiations with customers and execute new contracts/transactions.
• Develop and tailor Zenobe’s commercial, financing and service propositions across North American markets.
• Implement transaction processes including risk control mechanisms.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the business and key areas of sales focus / target customer base.
• Help train and mentor junior members of the team, developing their modelling and financial skills and improving presentation capabilities.
• Working in conjunction with our Corporate Finance team, ensure our transactions are bankable and our financing partners such as banks are comfortable with the terms of our contracts.
• Actively contribute to Zenobe's commitment to health and safety, wellbeing and sustainability by integrating these principles into daily responsibilities, ensuring a safe and supportive work environment, promoting both the physical and mental health of self and colleagues, and adopting sustainable and energy-efficient practices to minimize environmental impact.

Benefits

• 20 days holiday which increases after 5 years’ service
• 401k Scheme – Up to 4% matching
• Excellent opportunities for personal growth and responsibility plus a training budget
• Uncapped performance related bonus
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance (We offer 3 Robust medical plans including one that’s 100% employer-paid coverage for employees and 75% paid for the dependents/spouse)
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
• Flex commuter programme
• Fertility leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed