How to apply for VP, Sales

About Energy Vault

Energy Vault (NYSE:NRGV) is a global energy storage and power infrastructure company that has pivoted to an Independent Power Producer (IPP) model since 2024, owning and operating critical energy assets. What makes them unique is their focus on sustainable energy storage using innovative, low-cost materials, combined with a global presence across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Working here means being at the forefront of grid reliability and renewable integration, with the stability of a publicly traded company.

About the role

As VP of Sales, you will lead the sales strategy for Energy Vault's IPP business, targeting utilities, grid operators, and large energy consumers. This role is impactful because you'll directly drive the adoption of long-duration energy storage solutions that enable renewable integration and energy security. You'll be responsible for building and managing a high-performing sales team, developing key customer relationships, and achieving revenue targets in a rapidly evolving market.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a pipeline review with regional sales directors, meeting with a utility executive to discuss a potential PPA, and collaborating with the engineering team to tailor a storage solution for a client's needs. You'll also spend time analyzing market trends, adjusting sales strategies, and traveling to key customer sites or industry conferences to build relationships.

Who Energy Vault is looking for

• Proven track record in senior sales leadership within the energy sector, specifically in power infrastructure, renewable energy, or energy storage, with experience selling to utilities or large industrial customers.
• Deep understanding of the IPP model, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and the regulatory landscape affecting energy storage projects across different regions.
• Strong network and existing relationships with key decision-makers at utilities, grid operators, and large energy consumers in North America and internationally.
• Experience scaling sales teams and entering new markets, with the ability to navigate complex, long sales cycles and multi-stakeholder deals.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience with IPP models or similar asset ownership structures in your resume and cover letter, as Energy Vault's strategic shift since 2024 makes this a key focus.
• Quantify your sales achievements, particularly deals involving energy storage, renewable integration, or grid reliability solutions, to demonstrate your ability to drive revenue in this niche.
• Research Energy Vault's recent projects and partnerships (e.g., their gravity-based storage technology) and mention how your sales approach aligns with their innovative, low-cost material solutions.
• Emphasize your global sales experience, as Energy Vault operates across multiple regions and values candidates who can navigate diverse markets and regulatory environments.
• Connect with current Energy Vault sales or business development employees on LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get a referral, as networking is crucial in the close-knit energy industry.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your specific experience in selling energy storage or power infrastructure solutions to utilities and large energy consumers, with concrete examples of deals closed.', "Your understanding of the IPP business model and how you have successfully sold or developed projects under this model, aligning with Energy Vault's strategic direction.", 'Your ability to build and lead sales teams in a global context, including experience managing remote teams and entering new geographic markets.', "Your passion for sustainable energy and how you can contribute to Energy Vault's mission of delivering reliable, flexible power through innovative storage solutions."]

Research before applying

• Study Energy Vault's transition to an IPP model since 2024, including their press releases, investor presentations, and SEC filings to understand their strategic priorities and financial targets.
• Explore their proprietary gravity-based energy storage technology and how it differentiates from lithium-ion and other storage solutions, as this will be a key selling point.
• Identify their existing customers and partners (e.g., utilities, grid operators) and recent project announcements to understand their market traction and potential sales opportunities.
• Analyze the competitive landscape in energy storage, including companies like Tesla, Fluence, and Form Energy, to position Energy Vault's offerings effectively.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach selling Energy Vault's IPP solutions to a utility that is hesitant about adopting new energy storage technologies?
• Describe a time you successfully negotiated a complex, multi-year PPA or energy infrastructure deal. What was your strategy and outcome?
• Given Energy Vault's global operations, how would you prioritize markets and allocate sales resources across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia?
• What metrics would you use to measure the success of the sales team in the first year, and how would you drive performance?
• How do you stay informed about regulatory changes and incentives affecting energy storage, and how would you leverage that knowledge in sales conversations?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on generic sales achievements without tying them to the energy sector or infrastructure sales, which may make you seem like a poor fit for the technical and regulatory nuances.
• Ignoring Energy Vault's IPP model and instead emphasizing experience with equipment sales or technology licensing, as this misaligns with their current business focus.
• Underestimating the importance of global experience; candidates who have only worked in one region may struggle to demonstrate the adaptability required for this role.