Managing Director - China

The Company

The Cleantech Group™ LLC provides insight, opportunities and builds relationships that catalyze and accelerate the growth of cleantech markets globally. The Cleantech Group pioneered clean technology as an investment category in 2002. The company has played a key and catalytic role in the development of the category, fostering growth through information products, world class research, investment opportunities and the highest caliber industry connections. More information at: www.cleantech.com.

Today, with offices in North America, Europe, India, the Middle East and China, the Cleantech Group accelerates the development and market adoption of clean technologies by providing Members of the Cleantech Network and our Advisory clients with the tools they need to be successful: market-leading research and data, industry insight, access to innovation and deal flow, news coverage, sales leads, networking events, human capital and brand-building opportunities. The Network has nearly 2000 members worldwide; our Cleantech Forum series have convened over 6000 participants and over $1.6B has been raised by entrepreneurs. Now, more than ever, we seek to put our platform at service to create jobs, wealth and solutions for sustainable prosperity.

Cleantech Group has been active in China since 2006 when we published the first ever report on cleantech investing in the country. We have since held Cleantech Forums in Beijing and Shanghai and built an Advisory Board of founding members. Today, we provide a regular news feed, commentary and research to the global community on cleantech innovation and related developments in China. We currently have a two person in-country team supported by over forty professionals in our international offices.

Aligning with the global vision and strategy we are seeking a Managing Director – China, based in Beijing, to drive our growing business in China’s markets, help improve the value of our membership and advisory services, and enhance the company's brand image and market leadership in China. It is possible the MD will also have a broader role within East Asia. We are targeting extraordinary candidates interested in a career with a rapidly growing company that is one of the principal drivers of the cleantech category globally.

The Position

Reporting to the Executive Chairman, Nicholas Parker, The Managing Director - China is principally responsible for assuring the highest value China market information, investment opportunities and clean technology assessment services are delivered to Cleantech Group’s global clients, partners, and Cleantech Network Members. The incumbent will execute a strategic plan that drives long-term revenue growth by expanding Cleantech Group’s current data, research and investment information services, and by identifying and creating clean technology advisory services for leading cleantech investors, economic development agencies and industrial players in China.

The Managing Director - China will direct and coordinate all company activities and operations in China in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and company’s corporate principles and values. The confidence and ability to build and maintain senior relations with individuals within relevant government agencies, academia, business, and non-governmental groups is expected. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the effective development of a fast growing professional services operation in China for a leading international player. Performance in this role will be judged by revenue growth, market penetration, consistent improvements in the quality and relevance of key relationships, and the effectiveness of creating and leading a core team of dedicated professionals – all while meeting budget and timelines. Above all, Cleantech Group is a mission-based organization that seeks to have a major impact on sustainable development within China and around the world.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will build and lead to effectively execute the following responsibilities:

Strategy and Operations

• Translate strategic objectives into short and long-range business goals and objectives with achievable and measurable outcomes.
• Hire, coach and lead a core team of professionals in sales, marketing, research and analysis, and administration
• Lead business team in meetings with senior management to communicate metrics, progress on objectives, business milestones/achievements and areas of concern.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the business in China with full P&L responsibility (e.g. pricing, cost management, revenue targets)

Sales and Marketing

• Effectively support global accounts, and develop local key accounts through best-in-class services delivery
• Grow memberships, sponsorships and consulting client base of institutional investors, professional service providers and industrial corporations.
• In coordination with the Corporate Communications and Data and Research teams, and with key professional alliances in China, manage and develop local marketing materials, organize targeted events, and create and offer insightful China market and clean technology information.
• Lead the Cleantech Group’s presence and participation at relevant meetings, seminars and conferences with government authorities, industrial (professional) associations in China to attain leadership brand recognition at senior executive level.

Professional Partnerships and Government Relations

• Identify and prioritize and contact government, industry associations and NGOs that Cleantech Group can cooperate with in China to improve services and increase revenue.
• Actively establish and improve key stakeholder relationship with related government agencies and officials at central, provincial and local levels in locations important for the company’s growth.
• Improve and maintain database of key government organizations by keeping tracking/updating database for government contacts, monitoring latest government policies, and identifying and acting on new business opportunities
• Consistently understand cleantech-relevant regulatory and policy changes and additions and provide timely analysis of potential impacts on to investors and corporations in China.

Information and consulting services

• Lead the organization of best-in-class cleantech conferences, seminars and business delegations in China
• Identify, develop and launch China-focused clean technology information and consulting services directly beneficial to Cleantech network members and sponsors, and corporate clients.
• Foster and maintain value-added cooperation projects with external partners in China that promote Cleantech’s services benefits, gather cleantech deal flow data, create useful market information, and fashion new sales and marketing channels to reach clients and members.
• Prepare market and technology research reports and market updates for publication to Cleantech Network members.
• Improve and maintain databases of cleantech investment data, deal flow opportunities, and relevant infrastructure and industrial projects in China

Requirements

• Passion for and knowledge of environment and energy policy, and sustainable development initiatives in China, is essential.
• Master’s level degree from a leading university
• 7 or more years of successful Business Development, Sales and/or Marketing experience with a proven track record of achieving objectives in China. Experience in either membership-based organizations, event management organizations, or technology consulting and service firms is an advantage
• Minimum of four years of General Management experience in a fast growing multinational or joint-venture company in China
• Demonstrated success record of developing government (central/provincial/local), business and NGO relationships to successfully drive company branding and deliver revenue-generating information or advisory services in China.
• Extensive experience managing, tracking and reporting to executive management a wide range of simultaneous initiatives performed by small teams.
• A solid track record as a high level business partner with executive team and global functional units in the implementation of services and solutions to business issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced growth environment with a global team of passionate clean technology professionals.
• Experience in Venture Capital, Private Equity, Investment banking or trade sale investments in China is an advantage.
• High degree of self-motivation, teamwork effectiveness and personal integrity
• Fluency in English and Mandarin (both oral and written)
• Through exposure to both corporate and entrepreneurial business environments in China, a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of both of these groups in China
• Extensive network in Chinese and western business circles (industrial associations, chambers of commerce, government agencies) in China is an advantage
• Ability to travel in China and internationally, as needed.

To Apply or for More Information:

If your skills and experience allow you to meet the responsibilities and requirements of this position, please send your resume to Michelle Spencer at michelle@cleantech.com. We intend to complete preliminary screening in April and early May with a view to in-person interviews in Beijing during late May. The position will pay competitive salary and benefits.