Solar Business Developer Commercial and Industrial

Reference: MR000501-MV-2 Our client is a leading provider of innovative solar energy and energy storage solutions. Specialising in cutting-edge inverter technology, battery storage, and smart energy management systems tailored for the African continent. Their Commercial and Industrial (C&I) division is dedicated to helping mining, industrial, and large commercial clients optimize their energy consumption, transition to renewable power, and achieve long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

As the C&I Business Developer you will serve as the essential bridge between their advanced solar technology suite and major market players. This role demands a high-level strategic operator who will focus heavily on engagement with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies and strategic Distributors. You will leverage your existing industry network to identify high-energy-consuming clients, design compelling commercial solutions, and drive the expansion of the Commercial & Industrial solar + storage footprint across South Africa.

• EPC & Distributor Management:
  Initiate and nurture high-level relationships with key EPC contractors and solar distributors to position the company as the preferred technology partner.
• Client Identification:
  Proactively identify and develop relationships with high-energy consuming clients across the mining, industrial, and commercial sectors.
• Network Leverage:
  Utilize your established personal EPC and industry network to unlock new project pipelines and market opportunities.

• Tailored Solution Design:
  Design and implement customized C&I solar + storage solutions that align with the technical and financial needs of corporate clients.
• Financial Analysis:
  Conduct comprehensive Return on Investment (ROI), payback period, and financing structure analyses to build compelling business cases.

• Deal Closure:
  Lead high commercial negotiations, oversee contract drafting (PPAs, turnkey agreements), and manage payment tracking.
• Risk Mitigation:
  Actively identify and mitigate localized project risks, including shifting energy policies, regulatory bottlenecks, and currency fluctuations.

• Policy Tracking:
  Monitor local energy policies, regulatory updates (e.g., NERSA wheeling frameworks), carbon credit opportunities, and B-BBEE compliance requirements.
• Competitive Strategy:
  Develop and execute competitive market strategies based on regulatory insights to maintain company's market leadership.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Partner with internal project engineering teams, external EPC partners, and local authorities to ensure smooth project handover and successful delivery.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree is preferred, though a National Diploma or equivalent technical/commercial qualification with relevant field experience is highly acceptable.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5+ years of hands‑on experience in the African C&I solar + storage project space.
• Project Track Record:
  Proven experience leading or contributing to 100kW–50MW solar projects or private power plant development.
• Established Resources:
  Must possess an active, established EPC network and a track record of successful collaboration with mining, industrial, or commercial clients in South Africa.

• Financial & Software Literacy:
  Proficient in CRM systems, PowerPoint for executive presentations, and advanced Excel for financial modelling.
• Solar Expertise:
  Strong working knowledge of commercial-scale solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and microgrid integration.
• Commercial Acumen:
  Sharp market insight with the ability to independently execute business development strategies from lead generation to contract signing.