Head of Research and Development - Business Line Agriculture

Company Description Palmetto is a leading clean tech company on a mission to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. With a belief that consumers can have it all, we are an uncompromising energy company that makes coming clean a no brainer. Our award-winning technology platform empowers homeowners, businesses, and entrepreneurs to adopt renewable energy through simple, scalable, and innovative solutions. Operating at the intersection of B2B and D2C, we offer software, financial products, and services that drive real environmental impact—without compromising value. We deliver end-to-end solutions for whole home electrification that put clean energy within reach for all.  Our employees are our most valuable resource. We foster a promote-from-within culture that prioritizes talent development, career growth, and purpose-driven work. Palmetto offers a comprehensive benefits package—including unlimited PTO, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid parental leave, retirement plans, and more—so you can have it all both personally and professionally. Palmetto prioritizes people, planet, and profit—backed by a culture that values collaboration, impact, and balance. Join us in building a brighter, cleaner world. Department Description Palmetto Home is a branch of Palmetto focused on the democratization of the renewable energy and HVAC industries. We provide homeowners with financial products to benefit from solar power, energy storage systems, and home efficiency through advanced heating and cooling technologies. We empower solar and HVAC sales professionals and installation companies with access to our proprietary platform, financing, customer management system, and milestone quality control system. Our #1 focus is a phenomenal experience for our customers and partners, evidenced in our growing financial product adoption. Location This position will be based remotely in the US. Reporting This position will report to the SVP, Head of HVAC & Heat Pump. Summary of Role  The Channel Accounts Director, Comfort is a senior management level role within Palmetto, and reports directly to the GM, Comfort. This is a key role responsible for identifying, assessing, negotiating and finalizing new business opportunities that are in line with the overall business and strategic growth objectives for Palmetto, and managing channel sales for the business.. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the HVAC industry, along with a robust network of contracts in this space to drive partnerships and new product channel development. The Strategic Account Director will work collaboratively with other internal functions to assess market potential, financial viability, technical relevance and proprietary and legal implications of all potential new business opportunities. In addition the Channel Accounts Director will lead day to day activities across the Channel Accounts Management team, including implementation of best practices, KPI development, and tooling and process which supports a high performing sales team.   The successful candidate will be resourceful, a leader, proactive, organized, motivated to enhance the company's reputation, and relentless in developing high performance sales teams. Strategic & Tactical Strategic: * Use established network within HVAC and Home Services industry to develop commercial partnerships * Initiate prospecting and lead generation activities for both channel partners and corporate clients * Help in developing educational and sales materials that clearly articulate Palmetto product offerings * Work as a key stakeholder in the development of new products, services and channels including: * Conducting market research and know Total Addressable Market for each state in region * Development of business plans, sales positioning, presentations, reference material, and other documents as required * Relay customer needs and requirements back to internal Palmetto teams including Product and Capital Markets leadership with a focus on both periodic innovation of existing products and development of new products or revenue opportunities * Keeps informed on industry trends, regulations, technological advancements, and conducts market research and intelligence to identify opportunities for growth * Collaborate with internal teams, including Technology, Finance, Revenue, and Operations, to ensure successful implementation and delivery of solutions to external customers * Assist in regular reporting and strategy calibration with executive leadership Tactical: * Define, measure, and optimize the partner lifecycle stages (Lead → Onboarded → Trained → Activated → Producing → Repeat Producing) for HVAC and home electrification partners. * Ensure forecast reliability and overall pipeline health for the channel. * In collaboration with leadership - architect, operationalize and optimize revenue engine to drive predicable, scalable growth through well planned KPIs * Sequence and manage rollouts for major national accounts to ensure structural success. * Leverage data analytics to gain insights into partner behavior, sales trends, and market opportunities. * Use data to inform strategic decisions regarding sales processes, marketing efforts, and partner relationships. * Manage Salesforce platform governance, reporting integrity, and clean data architecture, as well as additional technology stack supporting Comfort Plan sales teams. * In partnership with GM, Comfort, own team planning process, OKR structure, and design and evolve team management structures including reporting cadences. * Own performance management, Compensation modeling and quota management for the Comfort Account Management team. Qualifications * 8+ years B2B enterprise business development, sales and/or account management experience * Mandatory experience in HVAC/Heat Pump and Home Electrification industry with experience in consumer finance and the energy industry * Athletes wanted - Broad commercial awareness developed in a fast-moving environment * Superior communication skills – both oral and written * Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills * Proven analytical skills and ability to influence people both internally and externally * Proven Ability to ideate, develop and execute strategic plans, in close collaboration with internal and external partners and stakeholders * Decisive and ability to move with speed to implement ideas * Ability to travel up to 30% of the time Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.  Equal Employment Opportunity Palmetto embraces diversity and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. For more about our Privacy Policy, visit: https://palmetto.com/privacy-policy [https://palmetto.com/privacy-policy]

RESPONSIBILITIES Job Category: Research Support Reporting Line: Head of Research Office, in coordination with the Project PI Supervisory duties: May supervise one or more Project Officer personnel Contract type: Part-time project-based contract (ViWAS and DiGiNN 2.0 projects) for the duration of the projects.  Possibility of extension is available upon performance. Location: CYENS Centre of Excellence, Nicosia, Cyprus Preferred Start Date:July 2026, or as soon thereafter. Indicative Salary Range: €30,000 – €45,000. The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.  Probation Period for entry level: 6 (six) months  About CYENS Centre of Excellence CYENS Centre of Excellence (https://cyens.org.cy/) is a leading research and innovation centre based in Nicosia, Cyprus, focusing on interactive media, smart systems and emerging technologies. CYENS works at the intersection of research, technology, creativity and societal impact, bringing together academic, industrial, governmental and civic partners to develop innovative solutions for Cyprus and Europe. The Role CYENS is seeking a Research Project Manager to support the successful implementation of ViWAS and DiGiNN 2.0 EU funded projects. The successful candidate will coordinate project activities, reporting, financial monitoring, stakeholder engagement and service delivery, ensuring successful implementation of project objectives.   About the Project – ViWAS CYENS is the Coordinator of ViWAS – Virtual Worlds Skills Academy, a major EU-funded project under the Digital Europe Programme. ViWAS aims to bridge the growing skills gap in virtual worlds, virtual reality, augmented reality and extended reality by developing a future-proof training and competence ecosystem for learners, educators, professionals and industry across Europe. The project brings together a large European consortium of beneficiaries and associated partners and will run for 48 months, from May 2026 to April 2030.  About the Project – DiGiNN  CYENS is a key partner and co-coordinator of DiGiNN – Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub (www.diginn.eu), the European Digital Innovation Hub of Cyprus. DiGiNN brings together leading national expertise in advanced digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, High Performance Computing, Cybersecurity and other digital innovation capabilities, with the aim of supporting SMEs and public sector organisations in their digital transformation journey.  DiGiNN is co-funded by the European Union’s Digital Europe Programmeand the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus and will run for 36 months, from September 2026 to August 2029.   Key Responsibilities   The Research Project Manager will be responsible for supporting the effective implementation of ViWAS and DiGiNN 2.0 projects on behalf of CYENS, including:  Project coordination, Reporting and Compliance   * Support the overall coordination of the two projects in line with the Grant Agreement, Description of Action and Consortium Agreement.  * Monitor implementation progress across all Work Packages and ensure timely follow-up with WP Leaders and partners.  * Maintain project documentation and supporting evidence in line with funder requirements.  * Organise and support consortium meetings, WP Leaders meetings, General Assembly meetings and Project Management Committee meetings.  * Identify , risks, delays and implementation challenges, and support the development of corrective actions. Financial and administrative management *  Support the financial monitoring of the projects in cooperation with CYENS financial staff.  * Maintain budget monitoring tools, prefinancing distribution records and partner financial tracking documents.  * Support partners in understanding reporting requirements, in a Digital Europe lump sum grant.  * Prepare internal financial monitoring reports and support budget planning and reallocation where required.  * Support project audits, monitoring exercises and other compliance-related activities.    Service Delivery, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication * Support the delivery and coordination of DiGiNN services to SMEs and public sector organizations. * Coordinate service-related documentation, stakeholder engagement activities,and follow-up actions.  * Assist in organising workshops, training activities, matchmaking events, awareness campaigns and outreach activities.   * Contribute to communication, dissemination and promotional activities through events, presentations, reports, newsletters and digital channels.  * Contribute to strengthening DiGiNN’s role within Cyprus’ digital culture and innovation ecosystem in Cyprus.  GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Required Qualifications and Experience Applicants should have: * University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or Degree of a level equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree) in a field relevant to the Centre's activities. * Master’s degree in a field relevant to the Centre's activities or another relevant field is considered an advantage. * At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. Experience in an academic, research or innovation organisation will be considered an advantage.  * Strong understanding of EU project management, reporting, deliverables, milestones, consortium coordination and compliance requirements.  * Excellent organisational skills and ability to multitask in a high-pressure work environment. * High level of communication and interpersonal skills and ability to adapt to a multicultural/multinational environment. * Excellent written and spoken English.  * Strong drafting skills for reports, minutes, formal correspondence and project documentation.  * Very good command of MS Office tools, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  * Ability to work independently, take initiative and follow up proactively with multiple stakeholders.  * For non-EU applicants a work permit will be required   Desired Qualifications   The following will be considered an advantage:   * Bachelor’s or master’s degree in project management, European studies, business administration, public administration, education, digital technologies, engineering, social sciences. * Knowledge of Greek language. * Experience with large multi-partner EU projects.  * Experience with Digital Europe Programme or lump sum grants.  * Familiarity with EU Funding & Tenders Portal reporting processes.  * Experience in education, training, digital skills, XR, virtual worlds, innovation ecosystems or technology-related projects.  * Knowledge of the Cypriot research, innovation and business ecosystem.  * Certification in Project Management or equivalent (e.g. PMP, Prince2). WHY US? What CYENS Offers   * The opportunity to manage two flagship EU-funded projects of CYENS.  * Exposure to European project management and Digital Europe implementation. * Collaboration with leading stakeholders  from research, industry and the public-sector.  * A multidisciplinary and international working environment.  * Professional development opportunities within a leading research and innovation centre. APPLICATION PROCESS How to Apply   For full consideration, interested applicants should submit the following items via the online application form and clearly indicate the position title in their application:  1. Full CV (including contact details). 2. Cover letter which clearly states: (a) how you envision your role, (b) how your experience and qualifications match the specific position, and (c) the availability date for part-time employment (d) contact details of two referees.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted. In case you have previously applied for a post at CYENS CoE, a new application is required.  Equal Opportunities   CYENS Centre of Excellence is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, disability, nationality, religion, ethnic background or other protected characteristics.   All applications are treated with the strictest confidence. CONTACT DETAILS For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department of CYENS, Centre of Excellence at vacancies@cyens.org.cy