Sales Director Search for a Leading Energy Storage Scale-Up

After 2 years developing its core products and proposition, the company sought to accelerate commercial growth by hiring its first full-time commercial leader. HOI was engaged to deliver a strategic, sector-specific search, leveraging deep industry expertise and a robust network to secure the right sales leader for this pivotal scale-up phase.

The client specializes in battery-enabled energy storage solutions for commercial and industrial clients. Their flagship product integrates advanced battery hardware with a proprietary energy management platform, enabling clients to optimize energy use, reduce costs, and cut carbon emissions. With operations across the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and a strategic partnership with a listed energy company, the business is positioned as a key enabler of the global shift toward decarbonized, resilient business operations.

The Opportunity: Building Commercial Leadership for a Scaling Energy Tech Innovator

The company's leadership recognized that, to capitalize on their technical achievements and market momentum, they needed a commercially-driven sales leader. The goal was to appoint a Sales Director capable of:

1. Driving revenue growth through direct sales and strategic partnerships.

2. Building and leading a high-performing commercial team.

3. Navigating complex, long-cycle B2B sales in energy storage and management.

4. Translating technical product value into compelling commercial propositions.

5. Supporting international expansion, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The challenge was to find a candidate with a rare blend of technical acumen, proven sales leadership, and experience in scaling commercial functions within the energy technology sector. The ideal profile required:

• Deep knowledge of energy storage, renewables, or adjacent sectors.
• Demonstrated success in closing complex, high-value deals.
• Experience building and managing sales teams from the ground up.
• Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments.

The Solution: HOI's Rigorous, Sector-Specific Search Process

HOI launched a targeted search, leveraging its network and AI-driven sourcing tools to identify candidates with the right mix of sector expertise and commercial leadership. The process included:

• Mapping the UK and European market for sales leaders in energy storage, renewables, and adjacent technology sectors.
• Engaging candidates with experience in both start-up and scale-up environments.
• Assessing track records in revenue growth, team building, and technical sales.
• Evaluating cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission and growth ambitions.

• The shortlist comprised four accomplished commercial leaders, each bringing a blend of technical sales expertise, experience in scaling teams, and a track record of delivering revenue growth in sectors spanning energy storage, renewables, e-mobility, and building services. Collectively, they demonstrated strengths in complex B2B sales, strategic partnership development, and the ability to translate technical solutions into commercial success across UK, European, and international markets.

HOI conducted structured interviews and competency-based assessments, focusing on:

• Strategic sales leadership and ability to drive revenue in new markets.
• Technical understanding of energy storage and adjacent technologies.
• Experience building and leading commercial teams.
• Track record in complex B2B sales cycles.
• Cultural fit with the company's mission and entrepreneurial ethos.

The majority of candidates demonstrated strong commercial acumen and sector knowledge. Some excelled in technical sales and regulatory environments, while others brought experience in scaling teams and international expansion. The process highlighted the importance of both hands-on sales execution and strategic vision for this pivotal role.

The Result: Placing a High-Impact Sales Director

The successful candidate, selected from a highly competitive shortlist, brought a unique combination of sector expertise, commercial leadership, and entrepreneurial drive. Their background included:

• Over a decade of experience in technical sales and business development within the energy technology sector.
• Proven success in building and leading commercial teams, driving revenue growth, and establishing strategic partnerships.
• Deep technical knowledge of energy storage systems, renewables, and energy management platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical solutions into compelling commercial propositions for clients.
• Experience operating in both start-up and scale-up environments, with a hands-on approach to execution and a strategic mindset for growth.

Assessment Against Key Criteria:

• Strategic Sales Leadership: The candidate had led commercial functions for innovative energy technology companies, consistently delivering revenue growth and market expansion.
• Technical Acumen: Their expertise in energy storage, renewables, and energy management enabled them to engage credibly with clients and partners, bridging the gap between technical and commercial teams.
• Team Building: They had built and managed high-performing sales teams, fostering a culture of accountability and results.
• Complex B2B Sales: The candidate excelled in navigating long-cycle, high-value sales processes, securing major contracts with commercial and industrial clients.
• Cultural Fit: Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability aligned closely with the company's mission and values.

The appointment of this Sales Director enabled the company to:

• Accelerate commercial traction for its energy management platform and battery storage solutions.
• Build a scalable sales function to support growth across the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
• Strengthen strategic partnerships and unlock new revenue streams.
• Enhance the company's ability to deliver on its mission of enabling decarbonized, resilient business operations for clients.

The placement reinforced HOI's reputation as a strategic talent partner for mission-driven, high-growth companies in the sustainable energy sector.

If your organization is scaling in the sustainable energy, climate tech, or impact investing space and needs high-impact commercial or technical leaders, House of Impact Talent Solutions is your partner of choice. Contact us to discuss your talent needs or join our network to access future opportunities in the world's most innovative, purpose-driven companies.