Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to own the agricultural market segment within its Commercial & Industrial solar business in South Africa. This role focuses on growing the agriculture vertical by building a robust pipeline and delivering tailored energy solutions.

You will lead go-to-market activities, engage with farmers and agribusinesses, and drive revenue growth through partnerships, industry engagement, and targeted campaigns across SA's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering or a related field.
• Proven business development or sales experience within the agriculture sector.
• Strong existing network across South African agriculture, including farmers, agribusinesses and industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex commercial sales cycles.
• Strong understanding of agricultural operations, seasonal factors and sector-specific challenges.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Own the agriculture vertical within the C&I business.
• Develop and execute a growth strategy targeting farms, agri-processing facilities, packhouses, cold storage operations and agribusinesses.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers across the agricultural sector.
• Identify, qualify and secure new renewable energy opportunities.
• Work closely with engineering, technical, finance and project delivery teams to develop tailored energy solutions.
• Understand customer energy consumption patterns and business drivers to position suitable solutions.
• Develop partnerships with industry associations, agricultural consultants, financiers and relevant stakeholders.
• Attend and represent the business at agricultural events, exhibitions and industry forums.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and deliver against revenue and growth targets.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity and regulatory developments impacting the agricultural sector.

Job description

Business Development Manager - Agriculture (C&I Solar)

Location: South Africa

Industry: Renewable Energy | Commercial & Industrial Solar

Reporting To: Commercial Director / Head of C&I

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to take ownership of the agricultural market segment within their Commercial & Industrial (C&I) solar business. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing the go-to-market strategy for the agriculture sector, building strong relationships across the industry, and driving the growth of solar and energy solutions for farming and agri-processing customers.

This is a highly autonomous role suited to someone with an established agricultural network, a deep understanding of the sector's operational and commercial challenges, and a proven ability to develop new business opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the agriculture vertical within the C&I business.
• Develop and execute a growth strategy targeting farms, agri-processing facilities, packhouses, cold storage operations and agribusinesses.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers across the agricultural sector.
• Identify, qualify and secure new renewable energy opportunities.
• Work closely with engineering, technical, finance and project delivery teams to develop tailored energy solutions.
• Understand customer energy consumption patterns and business drivers to position suitable solutions.
• Develop partnerships with industry associations, agricultural consultants, financiers and relevant stakeholders.
• Attend and represent the business at agricultural events, exhibitions and industry forums.
• Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and deliver against revenue and growth targets.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity and regulatory developments impacting the agricultural sector.

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering or a related field.
• Proven business development or sales experience within the agriculture sector.
• Strong existing network across South African agriculture, including farmers, agribusinesses and industry stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex commercial sales cycles.
• Strong understanding of agricultural operations, seasonal factors and sector-specific challenges.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within South Africa.

Highly Advantageous

• Experience selling renewable energy, solar, energy efficiency or infrastructure solutions.
• Understanding of C&I solar, wheeling, battery energy storage and broader energy solutions.
• Established relationships with large-scale farming groups, agri-processors and agricultural cooperatives.
• Experience structuring commercial proposals and business cases.

Key Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and own a market segment.
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Self-starter with a high level of accountability.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to navigate complex customer environments and influence decision-makers.

Success Measures

• Growth of the agricultural customer portfolio.
• Revenue and pipeline generation within the agriculture segment.
• Development of strategic industry partnerships.
• Conversion of new opportunities into successful projects.
• Establishment of the company as a leading energy partner to the agricultural sector.