Senior Business Development Manager

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 company develops, finances, owns, and operates energy assets, providing clients with tailored Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), backup generators, and comprehensive 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 any upfront capital expenditure.

As the Senior Business Development Manager, you will own the entire 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 deep C&I energy sector knowledge, sharp commercial acumen, and a demonstrable track record of originating and closing complex energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Origination

• Originate new C&I energy opportunities across the South African market.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline through direct prospecting, referrals, industry relationships, strategic partners, and existing client networks.
• Identify client energy requirements and position appropriate Solar PV, BESS, generator, and financed energy solutions.
• Qualify opportunities based on site suitability, energy consumption profiles, commercial viability, decision-making structures, 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 final contract signature.
• Support the structuring and negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements and alternative energy financing solutions.
• Translate technical designs, energy consumption profiles, and project economics into clear, compelling commercial propositions.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, operations, and other internal stakeholders to develop technically viable and competitively priced solutions.
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms with clients and progress qualified opportunities through to financial and contractual close.

Client & Market Development

• Build trusted relationships with senior commercial and industrial clients and key decision-makers.
• Develop a deep understanding of client energy costs, operational requirements, energy security risks, and sustainability objectives.
• Represent the business professionally with clients, partners, advisors, and broader industry stakeholders.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the South African C&I energy market, municipal and Eskom electricity tariffs, and emerging Solar PV, BESS, and financing trends.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of B2B business development or sales experience within renewable energy, infrastructure, or complex engineered solutions.
• An established network within the South African Commercial & Industrial market is essential.
• Proven, demonstrable experience in originating and closing Commercial & Industrial energy projects in South Africa.
• Strong commercial understanding of Power Purchase Agreements and financed energy solutions.
• Strong working knowledge of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder B2B sales cycles from origination to contract signature.
• Experience developing detailed commercial proposals and presenting complex project economics to senior client stakeholders.
• Strong pipeline management, CRM proficiency, and sales forecasting capability.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly to client sites.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional business development and deal origination capabilities.
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen.
• Strong negotiation and deal-closing skills.
• The ability to translate technical energy solutions into compelling commercial outcomes.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-driven and autonomous, with a proven ability to independently build and convert a sales pipeline.
• Thorough understanding of the South African commercial energy landscape.

Advantageous Requirements

• Prior experience selling financed Solar PV or BESS solutions.
• Direct experience with PPA structuring and negotiation.
• Professional background within an Independent Power Producer (IPP), Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm, energy solutions provider, or energy finance business.
• Existing professional relationships across the 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, proven 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 demonstrated ability to independently build a pipeline and progress complex B2B energy opportunities through to contract signature—is strictly required. Candidates without relevant C&I renewable energy business development experience will not be considered.