Solar Business Developer Commercial and Industrial (Midrand)

SUMMARY:
Our client is a 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.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Strategic Partner Engagement & Network Development ● 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. Solution Architecture & Financial Modelling ● 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. Commercial Negotiation & Risk Management ● 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. Market Intelligence & Compliance ● 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. Project Coordination & Delivery ● Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal project engineering teams, external EPC partners, and local authorities to ensure smooth project handover and successful delivery. Role Requirements Qualifications & Experience ● 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. Technical & Commercial Competencies ● 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.