Director of Business Development (Australia)

About the role

Rainmaker is seeking a senior leader to drive its expansion into Australia. As the first Country Manager, you will own the end‑to‑end market entry strategy, build high‑level relationships with government and industry, and close the inaugural commercial contracts that will anchor the business in the region.

Key responsibilities

• Design and execute Rainmaker’s go‑to‑market and account strategy for Australia, managing each deal from qualification through signature.
• Establish trusted relationships with federal, state and local agencies such as the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the Bureau of Meteorology, the Murray‑Darling Basin Authority and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
• Coordinate with Rainmaker’s international teams to handle regulatory, legal and operational workstreams, including CASA airspace access, entity formation, customs and imports.
• Recruit, lead and develop the first in‑country team, creating playbooks to accelerate future expansion.
• Represent Rainmaker at ministerial meetings, industry forums and media engagements, acting as the primary liaison between the Australian market and Rainmaker’s headquarters.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in business development, government affairs, commercial sales or strategy, with proven success in both public‑sector and fast‑growing commercial environments.
• Strong existing relationships within water, environment, agriculture, resources or infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to build a market from scratch – securing first deals, regulatory clearances and contracts.

Required skills