Sales Lead

Join Spark Cleantech : At the Heart of Sustainable Innovation

Sector: Deep Tech / Cleantech / Innovation

Who We Are
Spark Cleantech is a fast-growing and innovative start-up developing a breakthrough process that
replaces the combustion of hydrocarbons
in high-temperature industrial furnaces and in materials production with an alternative that is
not only fully decarbonised, but also economically competitive
and requires only minimal adaptation to existing industrial processes.

Following the successful deployment of an industrial pilot on a client site in 2024 and a major funding round in 2025, we are now building our first industrial standard.

Our ambition is bold: to address, by 2027, sectors that represent 10% of the global CO2 emissions on a multi hundred Bn€ market
.
To support this growth, we aim to hire
around 20 talented individuals to join our team
who share our
vision
, contributing to a more sustainable world, and our
values
: positivity, passion, and high standards. We are looking to bring together top experts in their fields to industrialize a technology that comes with exciting challenges.

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 and reporting to the VP Marketing & Sales, your main mission will be to contribute to defining, structuring, steering, and executing Spark Cleantech's commercial strategy in the carbon black and low-carbon hydrogen markets.

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 the carbon black and 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 internal teams (Labs, Product and Technology, Operations etc.).
• Contribute to the development of new industrial applications, particularly within the rubber value chain.
• Highlight the technical and environmental advantages of Spark's carbon black (quality, decarbonization, post-treatment, pelletization, reactive extrusion).

Partnerships & Ecosystem

• Build and strengthen long-term industrial partnerships, particularly in the rubber, elastomers, coatings, and tyre sectors.
• Represent Spark Cleantech at international events, conferences, and trade shows.

Public Affairs & Funding

Collaborate with the responsible of Public Affairs and Non-Dilutive Funding to:

• identify and secure public grants,
• draft or co-author position papers,
• participate in public speaking engagements.

Your Profile

• Engineering degree or business school background. A dual technical/business profile is highly valued.
• 10 years of experience in a similar role within an industry using carbon black (rubber, elastomers, coatings, tyres).
• Experience in hydrogen-related activities is a strong asset.
• Fluent English is mandatory. German or Spanish is a plus.
• Strong understanding of industrial formulations involving fillers and customer-driven technical requirements.
• 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.
• Good knowledge 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.
• High level of autonomy, rigor, and ability to structure, prioritise, and drive initiatives independently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the company at senior and executive levels.

What We Offer

• A dynamic environment within a high-potential Deeptech start-up
• Diverse and evolving responsibilities around an innovative product
• A supportive, talented and passionate team
• A meaningful mission: contributing to a more sustainable future

Recruitment Process
We keep things fast and simple:

• A brief 15-minute phone call with our HR team to get to know each other and discuss the role and your background
• An in-person meeting with the hiring manager, for a more in-depth conversation
• If the discussion goes well, we'll follow up with a technical case study that will also allow you to know us better
• Final step: reference checks

A Note on Diversity and Confidence
Studies show that many women only apply if they meet 100% of the listed criteria. The skills listed here are guidelines, not strict requirements.

We'd be delighted to hear from you even if you don't tick every single box. We're looking to build teams that can innovate and grow together.

All applications are welcome, regardless of background, age, origin or gender, don't hesitate to apply