Sales Director – ESG Investor Solutions France & Benelux (CDI)
5 days ago
Paris
Company Description EthiFinance is a European group specializing in credit and ESG rating, research, and advisory services. We provide tools and solutions to investors and companies to address the challenges of environmental and societal transformations. Through its various analytical products and business lines, EthiFinance offers independent credit research (Spread Research) and forward-looking opinions through regulated credit rating activities. Our team of analysts helps banks and financial institutions assess their risks thanks to strong modeling capabilities, while our deep ESG expertise enables investors to make informed decisions using our ESG data and ratings. Our ESG advisory teams assist clients in navigating the complexity of ESG regulations and in developing robust sustainable products and strategies. With more than 120 employees, EthiFinance is established in France, Spain, and Germany, with offices in Granada, Lyon, Madrid, Hanover, and Paris. It serves over 500 clients across Europe, including companies (SMEs, mid-sized firms, and large corporations), financial institutions, as well as investors (asset managers, institutional investors, private equity) and local authorities. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We believe that “double materiality is essential.” Leveraging our expertise in credit and ESG, we aim to become a European leader in sustainable finance and the European agency for double materiality. About the Role We are looking for a dynamic, creative, client-focused, and experienced Sales Director to promote and sell EthiFinance’s ESG products to institutional investors in France, French-speaking Switzerland, and Benelux. You will lead prospecting, negotiation, and commercial follow-up, ensuring successful deal closures. The product suite includes our proprietary ESG Ratings and Data as well as tailor-made responsible investment solutions. Your target clients include fund managers, asset owners, banks, and insurance firms. Your mission is to develop an ambitious sales prospecting plan aligned with the group’s strategy and grow our customer base in your assigned markets. You will be part of a European Sales team, reporting to the Group Chief Revenue Officer. You will collaborate closely with our teams in France, Germany, and Spain to strengthen EthiFinance’s market presence, including marketing activities, client relationship management, and product/methodology development. You will receive comprehensive training on our ESG products and are expected to develop in-depth knowledge of our methodologies and solutions. You will organize and actively participate in market events and networks to enhance EthiFinance’s visibility in your target regions and foster lead generation. This also requires an active presence on professional social networks. You will provide accurate reporting and feedback on regional client experience to support continuous service improvement. Key Responsibilities • Sales strategy development: Contribute to creating and executing a comprehensive sales strategy aligned with our objectives and ambitious growth plans., • Business development: Identify and capture new opportunities in target markets through effective lead generation and relationship building., • Cross-team collaboration: Work closely with marketing, business development, and client success teams., • Client engagement: Initiate and lead client meetings, manage follow-up, and negotiate to close deals., • Market visibility: Actively participate in industry events and conferences to strengthen EthiFinance’s presence., • Networking: Build and maintain an active presence in professional networks., • Marketing contribution: Support marketing efforts to promote ESG products and provide feedback for product development., • Client relationship management: Create and maintain strong, long-term client relationships., • Market intelligence: Develop a deep understanding of your markets and clients and report specific needs to relevant teams. What You’ll Bring • Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Business Administration, or Sustainability., • 5–7 years of experience in Finance and/or ESG., • Proven track record in selling financial and/or ESG information services or rating agency services, with exposure to RI/ESG topics., • Strong knowledge of asset management, banking sectors, and asset owners in France, Benelux, and Switzerland., • Good understanding of European sustainable finance regulation., • Established network of relevant contacts., • Solid knowledge of sales and marketing strategies, including lead generation, conversion, and relationship management., • Autonomy, adaptability, and ability to manage the full sales cycle (prospecting, proposals, closing)., • Strong team spirit, ethical values, and commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices., • Fluency in English and French; Dutch or German is a plus. Position Details • Contract Type: Permanent (CDI), • Location: Paris (near Miromesnil metro station), with regular travel to target regions and other EthiFinance offices., • Start Date: ASAP, • Travel: European passport or unrestricted travel ability.