Senior Business Development Manager

Eden Sustainable Ltd; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading solar development company in Exeter is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive commercial solar growth. The role involves closing high-value opportunities, engaging with board-level stakeholders, and mentoring a sales team. Candidates should possess extensive experience in complex solution selling, particularly in the energy sector, and a proven track record in securing significant deals. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and a focus on sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive salary with uncapped commissions

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Wellbeing Allowance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Agile working and flexible hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management.
• Proven track record of closing seven-figure deals.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to articulate commercial proposals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the origination and closing of commercial solar PPA opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of projects from lead to contract.
• Oversee the accuracy of client documentation and financial models.

Skills

Complex solution selling

Financial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

CRM proficiency

Tools

HubSpot

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Position Overview

The Senior Business Development Manager (BDM) will play a pivotal role in driving Eden’s commercial solar growth through the origination, development, and conversion of high‑value opportunities within the C&I sector.

This is a senior sales position for a proven professional with 10+ years of experience in complex solution selling, particularly in C&I construction, energy, or infrastructure with strong financial acumen and a demonstrable record of closing seven‑figure deals.

While direct experience in C&I Solar is highly desirable, we welcome candidates with transferable expertise in high‑value sales or commercial construction who can adapt their skillset to the solar industry.

The successful candidate will be a confident dealmaker, relationship builder, and strategic thinker capable of engaging board‑level stakeholders, structuring multi‑MW Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and mentoring junior sales professionals to elevate overall team performance.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Execution

• Lead the origination and closing of high‑value commercial solar PPA opportunities across the UK.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of multi‑MW C&I solar projects, from lead generation through to contract signature.
• Identify key decision‑makers within target clients and guide them through the approval and sign‑off process.
• Prepare and deliver financially modelled proposals and investment‑grade business cases, articulating clear ROI and value to clients.
• Employ a data‑driven approach to prospecting, leveraging CRM insights, market intelligence, and channel partner collaboration.
• Drive the negotiation and execution of high‑value, long‑term contracts, balancing commercial value and client satisfaction.

Strategic Market Development

• Build and sustain relationships with corporate energy buyers, developers, consultants, and other industry stakeholders.
• Identify and nurture strategic partnerships and referral networks to enhance Eden’s market reach.
• Represent Eden at industry conferences, trade events, and executive forums to build brand presence and thought leadership.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and policy developments impacting the C&I solar sector and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.

Operational & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with technical, finance, and project delivery teams to ensure a seamless transition from opportunity to contract execution.
• Oversee the accuracy of client documentation, financial models, and contractual frameworks.
• Support the mentorship and development of junior team members, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

Data, Reporting & Performance

• Use HubSpot CRM to manage the complete sales lifecycle, ensuring timely follow‑ups, transparent pipeline reporting, and accurate forecasting.
• Ensure efficient proposal management and document control.
• Maintain up‑to‑date records of communications, proposals, contracts, and negotiations.
• Provide regular performance reports to management and contribute to strategic planning discussions.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Contracted Capacity: Annual target based on MW of contracted projects and weighted focus on PPA deals.
• Lead Generation: Minimum 100 qualified new leads per annum. Focusing on quality and relevant sales qualifying data.
• Conversion Rate: 15% conversion from qualified leads to contracted projects.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback and repeat engagement from clients and partners.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in business development, sales, or account management within C&I construction, energy, infrastructure or other high‑value sales sectors.
• Proven track record of closing seven‑figure, multi‑stakeholder deals.
• Strong financial acumen, able to structure, model, and articulate commercial proposals with ROI, payback, and risk considerations.
• Experience in C&I Solar or renewable energy preferred, with ability to quickly understand technical and regulatory contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at board level, managing complex negotiations and extended sales cycles.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Advanced CRM proficiency (HubSpot preferred) and strong command of MS Office suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strategic and analytical approach to problem‑solving.
• A team player who leads by example, coaching, collaborating, and contributing to shared success.

Why Join Eden

• Opportunity to play a leading role in scaling one of the UK’s most ambitious commercial solar developers.
• Competitive salary with uncapped commissions.
• Collaborative, forward‑thinking culture focused on sustainability and innovation.
• Hybrid and flexible working starting from a position of trust.
• Quarterly company get‑togethers. 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Wellbeing Allowance or funding for Vitality health insurance.
• Agile working and flexible hours.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme and travel expenses.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Solar Electric Power Generation

Exeter, England, United Kingdom