Head Of Commercial Business Development – Utility-Scale O&M

Altgen South Africa; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial Business Development. This senior role centers on driving business growth and ensuring operational excellence across utility-scale solar PV and hybrid projects in South Africa. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in business development and operational oversight, managing client relationships, and negotiating high-value contracts. A competitive remuneration package with hybrid working options is offered.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Performance-based incentives

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• At least 10 years' experience in Operations & Maintenance or Asset Management.
• 5 years in a senior leadership role with P&L responsibility.
• Significant experience in the renewable energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Oversee O&M contracts and client inquiries.
• Develop strategies to grow O&M services.
• Negotiate contracts and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Business development

Commercial negotiation

Operational management

Client relationship management

Financial literacy

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM tools

Job description

A leading renewable energy company is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Commercial Business Development to lead its utility‑scale O&M portfolio in South Africa.

This senior role focuses on driving business growth, securing high‑value O&M contracts, and ensuring operational and commercial excellence across solar PV and hybrid energy projects. The ideal candidate will combine strong business development skills with operational oversight, managing key client relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the O&M business delivers both profitability and exceptional customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Financial Management

• Oversee all existing O&M contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and addressing client queries.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and subcontractors on commercial matters.
• Manage procurement activities, optimize costs, and drive margin improvement.
• Coordinate bank guarantees, contract escalations, and extensions.
• Prepare budgets, forecasts, and track monthly financial performance.
• Handle quotations, invoicing, and variations for special projects.

Business Development

• Develop and execute strategies to grow O&M services for internal projects and third‑party solar PV and hybrid plants.
• Collaborate with project and EPC teams to align commercial objectives, pricing, and security packages.
• Negotiate and renew existing O&M contracts to maximize value.
• Lead responses to RFQs, develop commercial proposals, and actively follow up on opportunities.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing developments.
• Establish, grow, and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholders.

Operational Leadership Support

• Oversee operational decision‑making in collaboration with O&M teams to ensure smooth and risk‑managed delivery of services.
• Maintain high safety and quality standards across all O&M activities.
• Manage onboarding and handover of new PV and hybrid plants to the O&M portfolio.
• Identify gaps and implement improvements to operational and commercial processes.
• Mentor and guide O&M team leaders to foster a high‑performance culture.
• Act as the main point of contact for executive leadership on all O&M commercial matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (preferable) or equivalent experience in business, technical, or management disciplines.
• At least 10 years' experience in Operations & Maintenance, Asset Management, or commercial management, with 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven P&L management experience and strong financial literacy.
• Commercial negotiation skills and experience managing high‑value client contracts.
• Significant experience within the South African renewable energy sector, ideally with utility‑scale solar PV or hybrid projects.
• Strong understanding of O&M operations, PV plant components, HV substations, and BESS.
• Experience managing diverse, large teams both on‑site and office‑based.
• Business development experience in O&M services is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of South African renewable energy regulations, BBBEE, ESG, and empowerment standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM tools.

What's on Offer

• A senior commercial leadership role driving utility‑scale O&M business growth and operational excellence.
• Full responsibility for P&L, business development, and client relationships.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on renewable energy adoption in South Africa.
• Competitive remuneration package with performance‑based incentives.
• Hybrid working options and a supportive, professional environment.