Position Overview
An established South African energy solutions provider is seeking an experienced Senior Business Development Manager to originate and secure Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy projects across South Africa.
The business develops, finances, owns and operates energy assets, providing clients with tailored Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), generator and operations and maintenance solutions. Its commercial offering includes fully financed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), enabling businesses to reduce energy costs and improve energy security without upfront capital expenditure.
The Senior Business Development Manager will own the business development cycle from prospecting and qualification through to commercial proposal development, negotiation and contract signature. This is a senior, hands-on sales role requiring strong C&I energy sector knowledge, commercial acumen and a demonstrable ability to originate and close complex energy projects.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Origination
Originate new C&I energy opportunities across the South African market.
Build and manage a strong pipeline through direct prospecting, referrals, industry relationships, strategic partners and existing client opportunities.
Identify client energy requirements and position appropriate Solar PV, BESS, generator and financed energy solutions.
Qualify opportunities based on site suitability, energy consumption, commercial viability, decision-makers and project timelines.
Maintain accurate CRM records, pipeline reporting, sales forecasting and opportunity management.
Commercial & Proposal Management
Lead commercial proposals from initial opportunity assessment through to contract signature.
Support the structuring and negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements and other energy financing solutions.
Translate technical designs, energy consumption profiles and project economics into clear commercial propositions.
Work with engineering, finance, operations and other internal stakeholders to develop technically viable and commercially competitive solutions.
Negotiate commercial terms with clients and progress qualified opportunities through to financial and contractual close.
Client & Market Development
Build senior relationships with commercial and industrial clients and key decision-makers.
Develop a strong understanding of client energy costs, operational requirements, energy security risks and sustainability objectives.
Represent the business professionally with clients, partners, advisors and industry stakeholders.
Maintain strong knowledge of the South African C&I energy market, electricity tariffs, Solar PV, BESS and energy financing trends.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 5 years' B2B business development or sales experience within renewable energy, infrastructure or complex engineered solutions.
Established network within the South African Commercial & Industrial market is a must have.
Proven experience originating and closing Commercial & Industrial energy projects in South Africa.
Demonstrable commercial understanding of Power Purchase Agreements and financed energy solutions.
Strong working knowledge of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder B2B sales cycles from origination through to contract signature.
Experience developing commercial proposals and presenting project economics to senior client stakeholders.
Strong pipeline management, CRM and sales forecasting capability.
Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to client sites.
Skills & Competencies
Strong business development and deal origination capability.
Excellent commercial and financial acumen.
Strong negotiation and closing skills.
Ability to translate technical energy solutions into compelling commercial outcomes.
Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
Self-driven with the ability to independently build and convert a sales pipeline.
Strong understanding of the South African commercial energy landscape.
Advantageous
Experience selling financed Solar PV or BESS solutions.
Experience with PPA structuring and negotiation.
Background within an IPP, EPC, energy solutions provider or energy finance business.
Existing relationships across industrial, retail, property, hospitality or agricultural sectors.
Exposure to energy tariff analysis, project finance or energy-as-a-service commercial structures.
Important Note
Applicants must have direct experience originating and closing Commercial & Industrial renewable energy projects in South Africa. A strong understanding of Solar PV, BESS and Power Purchase Agreements, together with a proven ability to independently build a pipeline and progress complex B2B energy opportunities through to contract signature, is essential. Candidates without relevant C&I renewable energy business development experience will not be considered.
