Business Development Operations in Agroecological Systems of India

Company Description

VakeWorks is a company that aims to use systems research and thinking from an algorithms-machines-lives-planet perspective to create regenerative and resilient living systems that are economically profitable and beneficial to society and the planet. The company conducts, facilitates, and enables production, research, development, teaching, and training activities through regenerative approaches to agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, agritourism, and health, as well as consulting and teaching activities in knowledge-intensive areas, including data science, data engineering, machine learning, mathematics, statistics, AI, natural resource management, and therewith compatible activities. VakeWorks' Indian subsidiary company will focus on unique strengths around production-centered research, development and education and on those of its partnering farms with high-value natural products for domestic and international markets with its in-house information technologies that provide digitally provable transparency guarantees for income, produce, process, profits and ecology in accordance with VakeWorks Transparency Pledge (see vake.works/pledge for more details).

Role Description

This is a part-time hybrid role, located in Kerala, that allows for flexibility in working from home but involving travel from time to time. We are looking for an individual to help develop business operations in agroecological systems with the responsibility for leading the company's growth while representing and promoting the company's brand and operations in India in an all-in-one operational capacity during the last three quarters of 2025. The role requires successfully positioning the company as an ethical change agent in Indian and international society, ensuring compliance with Indian laws and guidelines, and working with cross-functional teams to prioritize and achieve company goals. This role is responsible for overall customer satisfaction, business expansion, operational accounting, import-export operational management, managing research-intensive educational programs for Indian and European clients, and increasing profitability of the Indian branch while working closely with other directors and employees in the Swedish branch who are based throughout Europe. Compensation is based on experience, team-fit, willingness to learn unfamiliar notions, and prove oneself in Q2 of 2025 and preference is given to those interested in models of co-ownership as opposed to stake-free salary. The exact title, scope, responsibilities, time commitments and compensations are mutually negotiable.

Qualifications in addition to the must-have qualifications in the screening questions

At least 15 years of experience, 10+ of which is in leading and managing a large team, particularly in India
Demonstrated experience in growing and scaling a division or business unit in India, within agribusiness, environmental sustainability, or related area
Demonstrated leadership experience in areas such as business development, marketing strategy, operations and P&L management. Experience with marketing and sales to rural and under-served communities would be a plus
Proven success in recruiting, developing, mentoring and retaining high-performing leaders & teams throughout an organization
Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders with different cultures, languages, and backgrounds
A willingness to take calculated risks, and a deep passion for social and environmental sustainability
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration or any relevant degree from an accredited institution; Master's degree would be a plus. Having a degree is not a prerequisite for the position.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills that showcase cultural competence as well as the ability to inspire, motive and lead the team
Fluency in English, Malayalam and Hindi along with excellent verbal and written communication skills is a strong requirement. Familiarity with Swedish, Finnish and/or Lithuanian is a plus but not required.

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