Head Of Commercial

Altgen South Africa; Remote; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international renewable energy company is seeking a Head of Commercial (O&M) to oversee its commercial performance in South Africa. The role involves managing contracts, driving business growth, and leading a team. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in O&M or asset management, strong commercial acumen, and a solid technical background in renewable energy. This position can be based anywhere in South Africa, with some travel required.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in O&M or asset management.
• Strong commercial acumen in business development and negotiation.
• Solid technical understanding of solar PV and battery storage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee commercial aspects of O&M contracts and performance.
• Originate new O&M opportunities and manage proposals.
• Lead operational and technical functions within the team.

Skills

Commercial management

Business development

Contract negotiation

Renewable energy knowledge

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Head of Commercial (O&M) (Based anywhere in South Africa) A leading international renewable energy company is seeking a Head of Commercial (O&M) to oversee the commercial performance of its South African O&M division and to drive new business growth across the region.

The successful candidate will be able to be based anywhere in South Africa and would have to travel from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Management: Oversee the commercial aspects of all O&M contracts, ensuring obligations are met and financial performance is optimised. Serve as the primary commercial interface with clients and subcontractors. Lead budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and margin optimisation initiatives. Support O&M procurement activities and manage key commercial processes such as escalations, guarantees, and contract variations. Monitor contract risks, performance trends, and commercial opportunities.
• Business Development: Originate and convert new O&M opportunities with IPPs, developers, and asset owners. Prepare pricing, proposals, and commercial models for new O&M bids in collaboration with technical teams. Manage responses to RFQs and tenders. Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic clients, tracking market developments and competitor activity. Represent the company at industry events and support growth initiatives across the region.
• Leadership (upon transition to Local O&M Head): Oversee all operational, technical, and commercial functions within the South African O&M team. Hold P&L responsibility for the O&M division. Lead and mentor team leaders and coordinate site-based and office-based staff. Ensure smooth onboarding of new assets and implement robust operational processes. Align with engineering, EPC, procurement, and global O&M teams to maintain high standards.

Your Profile

• 10+ years' experience in O&M, asset management, or related renewable energy roles, including senior management experience.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven success in business development and contract negotiation.
• Solid technical understanding of solar PV infrastructure, HV equipment, and battery storage systems.
• Degree in Engineering preferred; other technical or business degrees considered with substantial experience.