Company Information

Zaffra BV is established to be a major Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) player by 2030 which will lead in synthetic aviation fuel derived from renewable energy (eSAF) over the longer term. For this purpose, it will leverage its parents’ (Sasol and Topsoe) cost advantaged conversion technologies for Power-to-Liquids (PtL) and HEFA pathways. The JV will develop, acquire, build, own, and operate eSAF assets and market the molecules produced. The aim is to pursue with urgency scalable opportunities and develop its approach to eSAF production, identifying sites and building facilities that are advantaged on the SAF cost curve. Supported by its parents, Zaffra will build, acquire and partner to close capability gaps and develop viable end-to-end value chains to source inputs (power, feedstocks, EPC) and bring its products to market. Zaffra’s technology, strong production concepts, and partnerships will build a competitive edge versus Oil & Gas (O&G) majors and other market participants.

Purpose of the Position

Drive opportunities through idea generation phase with detailed analyses of partners, business cases, and stakeholder management of the opportunities across the value chain - from feedstock through to product marketing with support from the SMEs in the team. Manage the interface with partners to ensure alignment of objectives across the BD&I model tracks and through the stages. Manage the BD&I process to ensure process and governance compliance as the opportunity moves through the various gates with alignment of the Value Assurance and capital approval processes of the JV and shareholders.

The (Senior) Business Developer will work closely with the Head of Business Development – Nordics & SEA on maturing SAF opportunities with close interfaces to Commercial, Legal, Technical, and Projects functions.

Key Accountabilities

1.    Project Origination & Evaluation

§ Support identification, screening, and development of SAF project opportunities in target regions by conducting feasibility assessments and screening partners across the value chain

§ Monitor regional market dynamics, regulations, and trends to inform strategic decision-making

§ Provide actionable insights to identify and prioritize growth opportunities, competitive advantages, and potential partnerships

2.    Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management

§ Support external interfaces with project partners, feedstock suppliers, government entities, and industry stakeholders, ensuring alignment across project phases and governance

§ Support relationship building, management and negotiations to secure commercial inputs (e.g. power, feedstock, offtake) and relevant phase deliverables

3.    Business Case Development & Investment Support

§ Prepare compelling business cases, commercial models, and decision materials for internal and JV governance processes

§ Coordinate with Finance, Technical, and Legal teams to support investment applications and ensure end-to-end alignment

4.    Project Coordination & Delivery Oversight

§ Support and manage cross-functional input into the business development and investment (BD&I) stage-gate process

§ Track progress and ensure timely delivery of business workstreams across multiple projects

§      Work closely with the technology, operations and marketing teams to ensure alignment of business strategies and operational plans

§      Provide analytical support for cross-functional projects and initiatives, driving cohesive and effective decision-making

§      Contribute to the identification of new markets, partnerships, and investment opportunities to expand our presence in the industry

Position Requirements

Formal Education:

Minimum: Master’s level degree in a relevant field such as Business, Engineering, or Economics.  

Working Experience

Minimum years: 6+ relevant years, with experience in international and industrial business development including:

§ Familiar with commercial development phases of complex CAPEX-intensive projects such as in Gas-to-Liquids, Power-to-Liquids, Renewable Energy, or Oil & Gas industries (Essential)

§ Experience in multi-stakeholder coordination and project management (Essential)

§ Effective delivery through partner collaboration

§ Strong proficiency in business analysis, modelling, data interpretation, and preparation of decision materials for governance boards

§ Familiar with US and EU SAF policies & regulations

 Behavioral Traits

§ Fluent in at least one Scandinavian language (Essential)

§ Entrepreneurial mindset who can also provide innovative solutions in real time

§ Risk tolerance and resilience to quickly adapt to changing business realities

§ Individual task agility within a collaborative supportive team focus

§ Passionate focus on business objectives and purpose, which include both profit and future sustainability vision

How to Apply

1.    Please submit your application by 6th July 2025 23:59 CET via email to Ninad.mutatkar@zaffra.com with the subject line Application – [(Senior) Business Developer – Nordics & SEA].

2.    Include:

a.    Your CV or resume (PDF preferred)

b.    A brief cover letter describing your motivation for applying to Zaffra and specifically highlighting how your experience aligns with the four areas of accountability in the job description (500 words or less)

c.    Your preferred location and salary expectations

Application Stages

1.   Application Review

We’ll carefully review your CV and cover letter to assess your experience and alignment with the role.

2.   First Interview

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an initial interview with the hiring manager. This is a conversation to explore your background, interest in the role, and overall fit.

3.   Task & Second Interview

Candidates moving forward will be given a short task designed to assess your approach to key focus areas of the role. You'll then be invited to a second interview with the hiring manager and relevant team members, where we’ll discuss your task and dive deeper into how you work.

4.   Offer

We’ll extend an offer to the successful candidate, including all relevant details around compensation, start date, and onboarding. This is subject to a possible background / reference check.

We intend to complete the process within 2-3 weeks of the application deadline.