Business Strategy & Development Specialist

Company Profile:
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) is an integrated global trading company active in a range of commercial ventures. It imports and exports raw materials and goods and has diversified activities in businesses throughout the Americas. These activities include investments and financing, coordination, and operation of urban and industrial infrastructure projects, providing transportation and logistics services, developing natural resources, distribution of steel and other products, and developing and managing real estate. SCOA is the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation (SC), one of Japan's major integrated trading and investment business enterprises, operating in a wide array of industries, including Energy, Automotive, Social Infrastructure, Agri-Food & Life Science, Construction & Transportation, Real Estate, Mineral Resources, and Energy Innovation Initiatives. Visit www.sumitomocorp.com and www.sumitomocorpofamericas.com for more information.

Job Summary:
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) Energy Group is seeking a motivated and skilled Business Strategy & Development Specialist to support the assessment, structuring, and execution of new investment opportunities. This position will focus on climate change initiatives and low-carbon energy investments, contributing to SCOA's goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2050. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, business acumen, project management expertise, and the ability to support strategic decision-making in emerging energy markets.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Project Management & Execution: Support the planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives by managing project timelines, tracking key milestones, and ensuring clear communication among stakeholders ensuring project success.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Facilitate discussions with internal and external stakeholders, including business partners, investors, and regulatory bodies. Prepare executive reports and presentations to communicate findings and strategic recommendations.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including finance, operations, risk management, and legal departments, to ensure alignment and seamless execution of business initiatives.
4. Strategic Analysis & Business Development: Conduct industry research, analyze new market trends, technologies, and evaluate new business opportunities within the renewable energy and low-carbon sectors. Provide insights and recommendations to senior management.
5. Continuous Learning & Industry Awareness: Stay current with industry developments, regulatory changes, new markets, and emerging technologies in sustainable and renewable energy. Translate this knowledge into actionable strategies and recommendations.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Business Strategy & Analysis: Strong analytical skills to evaluate market trends, business opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely to various audiences.
• Problem Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to identify challenges, analyze complex problems, and develop strategic solutions.
• Adaptability, Initiative & Time Management: Proactive, curious, and with the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and take initiative in driving projects forward. Must be capable of working independently and collaboratively within a high-performance team environment and have the ability to work under pressure, manage tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities with resilience.
• Relationship Management: Experience working with diverse teams and building partnerships across different functions and industries.
• Technical Proficiency: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and especially PowerPoint, with demonstrated ability to create visually appealing and effective infographics with high standards for accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness in deliverables.

Education, Certification, and Experience:
Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year university in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
2. 1-3 years of experience in business development, project management, finance, or consulting.
3. Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines independently.
4. Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging with stakeholders at various levels.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of initiatives while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Preferred:

1. 3-5 years of experience in business development, investment analysis, or project management, ideally in the energy, finance, or sustainability sectors.
2. Familiarity with risk assessment, regulatory considerations in energy and/or sustainability.
3. Prior experience in stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation, or strategic planning.
4. Background in renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, or related fields.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, required to sit for extended periods of time while performing job duties, frequently operates standard office machines with hands and eyes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement:

Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Sumitomo are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Sumitomo will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.