Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar

Smart4 Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart4Energy seeks an experienced Business Development Manager to own the agricultural segment of its Commercial & Industrial (C&I) solar business in South Africa. You will shape go-to-market strategies for farming customers, build broad industry relationships, and drive growth of solar solutions for agri-processing facilities.

This autonomous role requires an established agricultural network, deep sector knowledge, and a proven ability to secure new business while coordinating with engineering,

Qualifications

• This role requires proven BD or sales experience in agriculture.
• Strong network across South African agriculture and industry stakeholders.
• Experience managing complex commercial sales cycles.
• Understanding of agricultural operations and seasonal factors.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the agriculture vertical within the C&I business.
• Develop and execute growth strategies targeting farms and agribusinesses.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers across agriculture.
• Identify, qualify and secure new renewable energy opportunities.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance and delivery teams to tailor solutions.
• Understand customer energy patterns to position suitable energy solutions.
• Develop partnerships with industry associations and financiers.
• Represent the company at agricultural events and forums.
• Maintain a strong pipeline and deliver revenue targets.

Skills

BD experience (agriculture)

Sales experience

Agriculture network

Commercial negotiations

Stakeholder engagement

Travel within SA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering or related field

Job description

Smart4Energy

Duties & Responsibilities

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.