Commercial Director

As a Commercial Director at Via, you will lead the charge on all commercial efforts for strategic public transport accounts, which includes building and managing a high-performing sales and account management team, strategizing full-cycle sales efforts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve operations. Additionally, you'll cultivate partnerships and represent Via at various public engagements, making it a dynamic and impactful role that shapes our approach to mobility.

Candidates for the Commercial Director role at Via should have 6-10 years of client-facing experience, ideally within Business Development or Consulting. Strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team and build strategic partnerships. Familiarity with both German and English is a must. A growth mindset and the ability to navigate fast-paced environments while driving for results are also key for success.

Via stands out as a unique employer because of its commitment to social good and its innovative approach to transforming public transportation. With over 700 mobility deployments across more than 40 countries, Via is recognized for its pioneering role in the TransitTech category. As a Commercial Director here, you will contribute to a mission-driven environment dedicated to inclusivity, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.

In the Commercial Director role at Via, you have the opportunity to influence and shape the future of public transportation, and contribute directly to our mission of building efficient and equitable mobility systems. Given the company's growth and the evolving transportation sector, you can expect to find numerous paths for career advancement, whether through leading larger teams, expanding your role in strategic initiatives, or developing expertise in emerging market trends.

At Via, we understand the importance of work-life balance and offer a hybrid work model that allows for flexibility in your schedule. Our lovely office is located in the heart of Berlin, and we encourage team bonding through weekly lunches and breakfasts. Additionally, employees enjoy generous vacation days and are supported in personal and professional growth, ensuring a supportive environment that respects individual needs.

When asked about your approach to developing a sales strategy for Via, outline your understanding of our mission in transforming public transportation. Discuss key components such as researching the market, understanding client needs, identifying target audiences, and leveraging data analytics to create tailored strategies. Highlight your experience in consulting with clients to develop transit plans and securing funding opportunities.

In response to managing multiple accounts, emphasize your organizational skills and preferred tools for task management. Discuss techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or prioritization based on urgency and impact on revenue. Illustrate how you would communicate effectively with clients and your team to ensure transparency and alignment on priorities.

When building partnerships, focus on relationship-building techniques. Talk about the importance of active listening, understanding stakeholder needs, and establishing trust through transparent communication. Provide examples from past experiences where you successfully cultivated relationships, and discuss how these partnerships benefited your previous employers.

Prepare for this question by detailing a specific challenge from your past, such as handling a difficult client or navigating a highly competitive environment. Explain your thought process, the actions you took to resolve the issue, and the positive outcome. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and perseverance in high-pressure situations.

To respond effectively, highlight your public speaking experience and ability to convey complex information in an engaging manner. Discuss strategies for preparing for these interactions, such as understanding your audience, creating compelling narratives, and showcasing Via’s mission and achievements. Providing a relevant example from your past will strengthen your answer.

When discussing your experience managing sales teams, detail your leadership style and how you motivate your team members. Explain the importance of fostering a collaborative culture, offering mentorship, and celebrating achievements. If you have metrics to demonstrate your team's success under your leadership, this will add credibility to your answer.

To convey your commitment to staying informed about industry trends, discuss methods such as subscribing to leading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals. Mention how this knowledge feeds into your strategic planning and decision-making processes, ultimately benefitting your role as Commercial Director at Via.

Share personal stories or insights that highlight your passion for public transportation and its impact on communities. Discuss how Via's mission aligns with your values and how you envision contributing positively to society through your work in this role. This will convey your motivation and commitment to the position.

In handling client dissatisfaction, emphasize the importance of active listening and empathy. Walk through a process of assessing the situation, communicating openly with the client to understand their concerns, and working collaboratively to find a resolution that meets their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and dedication to client relationships.

To answer this question, discuss your approach to setting clear expectations and measurable goals for your team. Talk about leveraging data to track progress, providing ongoing training, and maintaining open lines of communication. Additionally, highlight the importance of creating a supportive environment that encourages team members to share best practices and learn from successes and failures.