Business Development Assistant at Planetek Italia in Bari

ABOUT PLANETEK ITALIA

Planetek Italia is an Italian Benefit Company established in 1994, bringing together more than 140 professionals with expertise in Geoinformatics, Space solutions and Earth science.

We develop technologies and solutions that transform geospatial data into valuable information, supporting decision-making across environmental monitoring, smart cities, agriculture, defence and security, satellite missions and space exploration.

Our expertise spans Earth Observation data processing and analytics, Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI), satellite software, ground segment systems and cloud-based geospatial services. Among our flagship innovations is Rheticus®, our platform providing continuous geospatial monitoring services to public and private organisations.

Planetek Italia is part of the D-Orbit Group, an international Space group combining complementary technologies and expertise across the Space value chain. This creates opportunities to work on ambitious national and international projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and contributing to innovative solutions.

We believe in combining technological excellence with curiosity, collaboration and a strong sense of responsibility, developing solutions that help organisations better understand our world and contribute to a more sustainable and secure future.

YOUR ROLE AS A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

We are looking for a Business Development Assistant to join our B2B Business Unit and support the development of our business in the Utilities sector.

You will work closely with our Business Development team, helping identify new opportunities, develop relationships with customers and partners, and bring our geospatial solutions to new markets.

The role involves both market research and direct interaction with customers, giving you the opportunity to understand their needs, contribute to commercial proposals and take part in business negotiations.

We are looking for someone who already has some commercial experience and wants to build on it, with the opportunity to gradually take responsibility for business development activities in a specific market or geographical area.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS “BD ASSISTANT”:

• Identify potential customers and new business opportunities in the Utilities sector.

• Support the implementation of commercial plans and business development activities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with customers, prospects and business partners.

• Research market trends, competitors and potential opportunities.

• Work with technical teams to understand customer requirements and identify suitable solutions.

• Prepare commercial presentations, proposals and other materials for customers and partners.

• Take part in customer meetings, negotiations, industry events and trade fairs, including business travel when required.

• Follow up on commercial opportunities and maintain regular contact with prospects and customers.

• Coordinate with internal teams throughout the business development process.

• Gradually take responsibility for assigned customers, markets or business opportunities.

YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE:

We are looking for someone who enjoys working with people, has a genuine interest in sales and is motivated by the challenge of developing new business.

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience in sales, commercial activities or business development.

• Strong customer orientation and the ability to build professional relationships.

• Good communication and negotiation skills.

• A proactive approach, initiative and a focus on achieving results.

• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage different activities and priorities.

• Confidence in working with people from different professional and cultural backgrounds.

• Excellent written and spoken Italian and English.

• Availability to travel for business meetings and events.

Nice to have:

• A university degree.

• Previous experience in the Utilities sector.

• Familiarity with B2B sales processes and customer relationship management tools.

• An interest in geospatial technologies and Earth Observation applications.

• Knowledge of French or Spanish.

WHY PLANETEK:

At Planetek Italia, you will have the opportunity to develop your career in Business Development, working with experienced colleagues and gaining direct exposure to customers, markets and commercial activities.

From the beginning, you will contribute to ongoing business development initiatives, gradually taking on greater responsibility as you become familiar with our solutions and the markets we operate in.

Our goal is to support your professional growth and help you develop the skills and confidence to independently manage business opportunities in your assigned sector or geographic area.

You will work in an international environment, collaborating with colleagues from different technical and professional backgrounds.

We value and respect differences, recognising that diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences lead to better ideas, decisions and results. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone is respected, valued and free to contribute.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We want people to have the conditions and opportunities they need to do their best work and continue growing.

We offer:

• A gross annual base salary between €23,000 and €28,000, depending on experience and skills.

• A performance-based variable component.

• Meal vouchers.

• Access to Wellhub for fitness, wellness and wellbeing services.

• Access to Serenis, including unlimited individual psychotherapy, nutrition and coaching sessions.

• Professional development opportunities through training, books, workshops, conferences and participation in national and international projects.

Final compensation will reflect the candidate's experience, skills and responsibilities, ensuring consistency with comparable positions within the company.

Working Model

The position is based in Bari and follows our flexible hybrid working model, with up to 80% remote work. An initial period at our Bari office is expected to support onboarding and integration with the team.

Availability for customer meetings, events and business travel in Italy and abroad is required.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Tell us a little about yourself, your achievements, and your career aspirations. Along with your CV, briefly explain why you would choose Planetek Italia and why we should choose you.

Don't meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply.

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Italy.

Here’s how our hiring process works—simple and straightforward:

• Application Review – We carefully review applications that match the key requirements of the role. If your profile is selected for the next stage, a member of our People & Culture team will contact you directly.

We genuinely appreciate every application, even when there is no match for the current opportunity.

• First Interview – An initial conversation to get to know each other, discuss the opportunity and align expectations. Depending on the role, you may meet our People & Culture team, members of the relevant team, or both in the same interview.

• Further Interviews – Where needed, one or more additional conversations focused on the skills, experience and approach relevant to the role.

• Offer – If there is a strong mutual fit, we will share an offer and discuss the next steps.

The exact process may vary depending on the role.

We aim to keep candidates informed throughout the process and appreciate your patience as we carefully evaluate applications.

We look forward to getting to know you and discovering what we could build together.