Business Development Director: Oil & Gas

About Sand

Sand Technologies is a fast-growing enterprise AI company that solves real-world problems for large blue-chip companies and governments worldwide.

We’re pioneers of meaningful AI: our solutions go far beyond chatbots. We are using data and AI to solve the world’s biggest issues in telecommunications, sustainable water management, energy, healthcare, climate change, smart cities, and other areas that have a real impact on the world. For example, our AI systems help to manage the water supply for the entire city of London. We created the AI algorithms that enabled the 7th largest telecommunications company in the world to plan its network in 300 cities in record time. And we built a digital healthcare system that enables 30m people in a country to get world-class healthcare despite a shortage of doctors.

We’ve grown our revenues by over 500% in the last 12 months while winning prestigious scientific and industry awards for our cutting-edge technology. We’re underpinned by over 300 engineers and scientists working across Africa, Europe, the UK and the US.

Role Summary

We aim to establish a strong presence in the Oil & Gas sector, spanning Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream operations, by delivering strategic consulting and AI-driven solutions that create tangible business value for our clients. As a fast-growing organization, we are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development Director to spearhead the expansion of our Oil & Gas business in the US.

As the Business Development Director, you will lead efforts to drive growth in the US market, leveraging your established industry network to foster new relationships and strengthen existing ones. As an advocate for AI and technology, you will identify opportunities, build a robust sales pipeline, and achieve ambitious business targets. Acting as a trusted partner to clients, you will help address complex challenges with innovative solutions.

You will work closely with the Managing Director (MD) of the Oil & Gas Sector and report directly to them. Together, you will collaborate to shape and refine the Oil & Gas service offerings, positioning the organization as a key player in the industry.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sales strategies to achieve business targets
• Identify new business opportunities and build strong relationships with prospective clients, including tier 1 and 2, as well as smaller Oil & Gas companies
• Meet or surpass sales goals and objectives
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, competitive landscape, and technological advancements in the Oil & Gas sector, ensuring that our solutions remain competitive and relevant
• Work collaboratively with other departments in the company to deliver high-quality solutions to our customers
• Attend industry events and conferences to represent the company and build relationships with prospective clients
• Provide regular feedback to the management team on market developments, opportunities, and threats
• Work to bring additional talent into Sand and build a larger go-to-market team over time
• Keep track of customer feedback and work closely with the customer service team to ensure customer satisfaction

Skill Requirements - Essential

• Consultative selling: Ability to understand client problems and then be able to work together with them to discover the applications required to deliver business value
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the Oil & Gas sector, either in a consulting or consumer-facing role, with a strong focus on sales to tier-1 and tier-2 companies
• Demonstrated success in meeting or surpassing goals and objectives
• Have an entrepreneurial approach and be able to build a pipeline of business from existing contacts
• Have an deep understanding of the domain Oil & Gas, and whilst not an SME be able to engage with domain specific content 
• Confident, articulate, but humble and willing to learn
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers and stakeholders
• Existing network in the US primarily, EU secondary Oil & Gas industry
• A passion for digital strategy/transformation, technology and AI
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to sales
• Ability to travel regularly to meet customers and attend industry events
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field

Skill Requirements - Preferable

• Experience with negotiating MSAs and contracts
• Prior experience with professional services or technology consulting firms
• Experience in selling data modernization and AI engagements

Person Specification/Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.

Due to the considerable amount of virtual working and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential.