Application Guide

How to Apply for Business Manager

at BlaBlaCar

๐Ÿข About BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is a pioneering shared mobility platform that has already avoided 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, making it a leader in sustainable travel. With a strong mission-driven culture and a pan-European presence, it offers a unique opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape the future of mobility.

About This Role

As Business Manager for the Train business unit, you'll be at the forefront of scaling a high-growth vertical, expanding into new European markets, and driving profitability. You'll work cross-functionally with Product and Engineering to define strategic priorities, making this role pivotal in BlaBlaCar's mission to make travel more sustainable and accessible.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up with your cross-functional team to align on product roadmap priorities, followed by analyzing market data to identify expansion opportunities. You might then have calls with rail carrier partners to negotiate terms, and end the day by preparing a business case for a new vertical or B2B revenue stream.

๐ŸŽฏ Who BlaBlaCar Is Looking For

  • A strategic thinker with a Masterโ€™s in Business, Management, or Finance, and 2-3 years of experience in consulting, startups, or business development.
  • An analytical problem-solver who can translate data into actionable insights and has a proven track record in project management.
  • A commercially savvy professional who thrives in fast-paced, cross-functional environments and can influence stakeholders at all levels.
  • A multilingual communicator with full proficiency in French and English, and ideally a third European language, ready to work across cultures.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to BlaBlaCar

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific achievements in scaling businesses or launching new markets, using quantifiable metrics (e.g., 'grew revenue by X%').

2

In your cover letter, mention your passion for sustainable mobility and how your experience aligns with BlaBlaCar's mission of reducing CO2 emissions.

3

Research BlaBlaCar's Train business unit and come prepared with ideas for expanding into new European markets or optimizing profitability.

4

Showcase your cross-functional leadership by providing examples of how you've worked with Product and Engineering teams to define priorities.

5

Proofread your application for language proficiency, especially if you claim fluency in French and English; consider including a brief note on your third language.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your analytical skills and experience in management consulting or high-growth startups, with concrete examples of business projects you've led.", 'Highlight your commercial acumen and ability to manage partnerships, especially in the mobility or transportation sector.', 'Demonstrate your cross-cultural competence and language skills, particularly in French and English, and your willingness to work remotely across Europe.', "Express genuine interest in BlaBlaCar's mission and the Train business unit, and connect your personal values to the company's sustainability goals."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Read BlaBlaCar's latest blog posts and press releases about the Train business unit, including any recent market expansions or partnerships.
  • โ†’ Review the company's annual impact report to understand their CO2 emission reduction goals and how the Train unit contributes.
  • โ†’ Look into the competitive landscape for train travel in Europe, including key players like Trainline or SNCF Connect, and identify gaps.
  • โ†’ Understand the company culture by browsing employee reviews on Glassdoor and following their social media channels.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach expanding the Train business into a new European market? Walk us through your strategy.
2 Describe a time you managed a complex project with cross-functional teams. What was your role and how did you ensure alignment?
3 How do you balance profitability with user growth when launching a new B2B revenue stream?
4 What metrics would you use to measure the success of a partnership with a rail carrier?
5 How do you stay updated on European mobility trends and regulations? Can you give an example of how you've applied such insights?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; make it specific to BlaBlaCar and the Train business unit.
  • Avoid focusing solely on your past experience without connecting it to the role's responsibilities or the company's mission.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of language proficiency; ensure you can demonstrate your French and English skills in the interview.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to BlaBlaCar!