Associate Business Development Director - Africa - Renewable Energy

Smart4 Energy; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A growing independent power producer in South Africa is seeking a highly experienced business development leader to shape their growth strategy. The successful candidate will manage project development and financial goals in the renewable energy sector, leveraging a strong existing network. Ideal for a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience bringing utility-scale projects to Financial Close.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in the renewable energy sector.
• Strong focus on the renewable energy sector and the power industry.
• Proven experience in leading utility-scale projects to Financial Close.

Responsibilities

• Shape and implement Business Development Strategy.
• Originate and lead project development opportunities.
• Negotiate key project documentation.

Skills

Strategic partnerships

Project finance

Negotiation

Market analysis

Renewable energy knowledge

Education

Relevant Masters degree

Job description

A rapidly growing IPP, committed to accelerating the development and financing of utility-scale power projects across Southern Africa, is seeking a highly experienced business development leader to manage their ambitious growth trajectory, strategic partnerships, and financial close goals. This role will be responsible for generating a substantial new off-take and projects pipeline, and critically, lead the development of projects from origination through to Financial Close. This role is perfect for a seasoned business development professional with an exceptional track record in project finance who excels at shaping strategy, negotiating complex agreements, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams (finance, legal, technical) to deliver high-value renewable energy assets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and implement the wider Business Development Strategy for new and existing markets and sectors, including C&I and Energy Traders.
• Originate and lead project development and M&A opportunities in new and existing target markets.
• Identify potential Government tenders, lead the review of requirements, and manage the submission of responses.
• Lead the negotiation of key project documentation, including Offtake Agreements, Joint Development Agreements (JDAs), and Share Purchase Agreements.
• Lead all development activities required to achieve Financial Close, ensuring close cooperation with the finance, legal, technical, and operational teams.
• Prepare and manage project budgets and investment papers for all internal approvals up to board level.
• Lead market and competitive analysis while expanding the company's vast network across off-takers, government, regulators, and financial institutions.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum 10 years relevant experience in the renewable energy sector.
• Essential experience in the power industry and a strong focus on the renewable energy sector.
• Proven experience in leading project financed utility-scale projects to Financial Close is essential.
• Vast existing network within the Renewable IPP space in target markets, including off-takers, energy traders, utilities, and lenders.
• Minimum relevant Masters degree level is highly desirable.
• Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and comprehensive understanding of financial models.
• Able to travel throughout Southern Africa to pursue and manage project opportunities.