Junior Business Developer (Renewable Energy)

Pty; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking a Junior Business Developer to support the development of utility-scale solar and wind projects. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Business or Finance, with 3-5 years of relevant experience in business development. Responsibilities include market research, proposal management, and stakeholder engagement. Excellent communication and analytical skills are essential, along with a willingness to travel for project sites.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in business development, project development, or commercial analysis in renewable energy.
• Familiarity with PPA structures and utility-scale project lifecycles.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to identify solar and wind project opportunities.
• Draft RFP responses and manage tender proposals.
• Assist in negotiating Power Purchase Agreements.

Skills

Financial analysis

Market research

Proposal management

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field

Tools

CRM platforms

Excel

Job description

Introduction

As a Junior Business Developer with our client, an established Independent Power Producer (IPP), you will support the end-to-end origination, development, and financial close of utility-scale solar PV, onshore wind, and battery energy storage projects. You’ll conduct market research, prepare RFPs and PPA bids, build financial models, and coordinate cross-functional bid teams through to Financial Close and Final Investment Decision (FID). This role also involves stakeholder engagement, contract negotiation assistance, and active pipeline management, with opportunities to represent the company at industry events.

You will:

• Expand the company’s project pipeline by identifying and evaluating new prospects.

• Bridge technical, commercial, and legal inputs throughout the project lifecycle.

• Gain hands-on exposure to renewable energy project development within an IPP framework.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Market Research & Screening - Analyze market data to identify and prioritize utility-scale solar, wind, and BESS opportunities.

• Proposal & Tender Management - Draft and compile RFP responses, ensuring all technical, commercial, and legal requirements are met.

• Financial Modelling & Analysis - Build and maintain Excel-based cash-flow models, conduct sensitivity analyses, and prepare term-sheet frameworks.

• PPA & Finance Document Support - Assist in negotiating Power Purchase Agreements and financing documentation in line with IPP risk profiles.

• Bid Team Coordination & Due Diligence - Liaise with engineering, legal, and finance teams to gather due-diligence materials and assess project risks.

• CRM & Pipeline Management - Keep opportunity statuses, milestones, and key metrics up to date in the company CRM.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with project development, engineering, finance, and legal departments to align bid strategies.

• Market Intelligence & Competitor Analysis - Gather competitor insights and industry trends to refine business development approaches.

• Stakeholder Engagement - Prepare and deliver presentations for offtakers, lenders, and equity partners; support site visits as required.

• Mandate Closure Support - Help shepherd transactions from term-sheet finalisation through to financial close and FID.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.

• 3-5 years in business development, project development, commercial analysis, or similar roles within renewable energy or power sectors.

• Familiarity with the REIPPPP framework, PPA structures, and utility-scale project lifecycles.

• Strong proficiency in financial analysis, modelling, and interpreting P&L and balance-sheet impacts.

• Experience compiling and managing tender/proposal submissions.

• Capable of conducting thorough market research, risk assessments, and due-diligence reviews.

• Advanced Excel skills; comfortable with CRM platforms and presentation tools.

• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to project sites across the region.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Communication: Clear, concise verbal and written communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Teamwork: Strong collaborator who thrives in cross-functional environments.

• Organisation: Excellent attention to detail, prioritisation, and time-management skills.

• Initiative: Proactive self-starter with a learning mindset and the ability to take ownership.

• Resilience: Comfortable working under pressure in fast-paced, ambiguous settings.

• Networking: Ability to build and maintain professional relationships at industry forums and events.

Explore More Opportunities