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*In order to better reflect the roles and further professionalise Digital Power as an organisation, we’ve recently updated our job titles. As a result, the podcast isn’t entirely up-to-date, but it still gives a great impression of what it’s like to work in the commercial team. Here’s a summary of the changes:

• Commercial Lead (previously Business Manager): focuses on client relationships and commercial initiatives. In addition, each Commercial Lead is responsible for one of our Business Units and directly manages the Business Managers.
• Business Manager (previously Account Manager): focuses on building and maintaining a client portfolio.

What does a working week look like?

According to Reimer and Stefan, every week starts with a kick-off and ends with a wrap-up. “On Mondays, we begin with the commercial team to review the previous week’s results and deals. On Fridays, we reflect on what we’ve achieved and share success stories. Throughout the week, we stay in touch to ask for help or discuss any challenges.”

In addition, you meet three times a week with your Business Unit team, consisting of the Commercial Lead and Business Managers. During these sessions, you discuss your plans, check in with each other, and evaluate progress towards your goals.

The rest of the week can look very different depending on what’s happening: you might work at a client’s office, from home, or at the Digital Power office. You’ll often have (lunch) meetings with (potential) clients, attend events. you will also take part in other sales activities such as organising knowledge sessions, joining networking drinks, giving presentations to prospects, or following up on warm leads from marketing campaigns.

What does a Commercial Lead at Digital Power do?

As a Commercial Lead, your focus is on managing and strengthening relationships with existing clients. You work closely with consultants and the commercial team to do this. You regularly meet with clients to truly understand their needs and then create tailored proposals. You’re also actively involved in attracting new clients that match our Ideal Client Profile.

In addition to client contact, you work closely with the consultants. Stefan says: “Consultants are out on assignment, so you have regular catch-up meetings to check how things are going.”

Together with the Team Leads, you’re responsible for an entire Business Unit. You define its strategy and are accountable for both its financial and operational performance. You also manage the Business Managers, supporting their development, tracking progress, and setting priorities together.

What does a Business Manager at Digital Power do?

As a Business Manager, you start by building up your own client portfolio. You actively seek out new clients, identify challenges and opportunities, and work to convert these into assignments. Once you’ve secured a client, you also take responsibility for maintaining that relationship. Stefan puts it like this: “You’re responsible for your own portfolio: creating it, then growing and maintaining it.”

What’s the difference between a Commercial Lead and a Business Manager?

The main difference lies in focus. As a Commercial Lead, you concentrate primarily on managing existing client relationships. As a Business Manager, your focus is more on finding and acquiring new clients. Reimer says: “Things can move quickly, once you’ve built a client base, a lot of your time will go into managing those clients, which leaves less time for new business.”

Another difference is that Commercial Leads are more involved in the operational side of Digital Power, such as conducting interviews, managing the Business Unit, or developing new propositions in collaboration with colleagues. A Commercial Lead is also the manager of the Business Managers.

If you start with us as a Business Manager, you’ll have the option to grow into a Commercial Lead role or continue focusing on new business if that’s what you enjoy most.

How do you find new clients?

You have a lot of freedom here. “I use my LinkedIn network efficiently and follow up on open job vacancies,” says Reimer. We also connect with potential clients through events, marketing-generated leads, and cold calling. We actively use the last method to contact new organisations in a direct way.

What skills does a Business Manager need?

You need to be eager to learn more about data and have a natural way with people. Sincerity is key. As Reimer says: “You shouldn’t always have your ‘sales hat’ on. It’s about having deep conversations with clients and consultants to uncover challenges and really understand the question behind the question. You’ll notice that standard presentations don’t cut it.”

Strong acquisition skills and a “let’s do it” attitude really help: you need to take initiative and be able to spot opportunities.

Stefan adds that flexibility is crucial: “Sometimes multiple clients need something at once, or we might know exactly what a client needs but not have a ready-made solution. You need to be flexible in working with colleagues to figure things out."

Finally, it is important that you love a challenge. ‘At Digital Power, we have a lot of expertise in-house and, in addition, the data domain is incredibly broad. You are solving a puzzle together with the consultant and client. A nice - but certainly complex - challenge,’ says Reimer.

Why should someone choose to work at Digital Power?

Reimer: “We’re in a fast-growing market, and you’ll quickly notice that we deliver quality, which means you’ll be having great conversations with clients. It’s not always easy, but it’s a really rewarding challenge. Plus, you can grow quickly here. We’re a fun, young team with regular drinks, foosball matches, and a team event every six months. The flexibility to work from home, at the Digital Power office, or at the client’s office is also a huge benefit.”

Stefan: “To me, Digital Power is a unique place to work: you can truly be yourself here and have the space to grow, both professionally and personally. You can really make things happen, and you’re given the time and trust to do so. Plus, the atmosphere is great. You can always call a colleague or ask for feedback. The Friday drinks and Digital Power team events are genuinely awesome, I’ve barely missed any!”

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