Senior business developer South Africa(H/F)

HDF Energy; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

HDF Energy is seeking a Business Developer to lead hydrogen-to-power projects in South Africa. This role involves developing strategic partnerships, conducting market assessments, and engaging with regulators and stakeholders. Join a pioneering company focused on innovative, sustainable energy solutions in Africa.

Qualifications

• Experience in energy project development in Africa, ideally South Africa.
• Strong understanding of the electricity sector; knowledge of gas/hydrogen is a plus.
• Comfortable operating in multicultural and complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute HDF Energy’s strategy in the South African market.
• Identify and lead development of hydrogen-to-power opportunities.
• Act as HDF Energy’s representative with government and key stakeholders.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation Skills

Market Intelligence

Project Structuring

Business Development

Education

Proven Experience in Energy Project Development

Job description

Location : Cape Town (flexibility to travel within Southern Africa and Europe)

Join HDF Energy, a global pioneer in hydrogen power, and help drive the energy transition in South Africa. As part of its international expansion, HDF Energy is looking for a Business Developer based in South Africa to lead the development of its Hydrogen-to-Power projects in the country and, potentially, across Southern Africa.

Business Development :

• Contribute to the definition and execution of HDF Energy’s strategy in the South African market.
• Identify, assess, and lead the development of hydrogen-to-power opportunities aligned with national energy needs.
• Conduct market intelligence and maintain awareness of regulatory trends, key stakeholders, competitors, and innovations in the region.
• Design power offtake schemes (including PPAs) for each project under development.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across engineering, finance, legal, and commercial departments to advance project structuring.

Institutional Relations & Lobbying :

• Act as HDF Energy’s representative with government authorities, regulators, utilities, and other key stakeholders in South Africa.Promote HDF’s reputation by building strong relationships with public and private sector partners.
• Attend key energy and hydrogen industry events and trade fairs to enhance HDF’s visibility in the market.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in energy project development in Africa, ideally in South Africa.
• Solid understanding of the electricity sector; knowledge of gas and/or hydrogen is a strong plus.
• Strong background in project structuring, business development, or commercial roles within the energy industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; comfortable operating in multicultural and complex environments.
• Self-driven with entrepreneurial spirit and resilience in long-cycle project development (2–5 years).
• Fluent in English (required); additional languages such as Afrikaans or African regional languages are a plus.

Why Join Us?

Be part of an innovative and fast-growing company committed to combating climate change.

Work on cutting-edge hydrogen and renewable energy projects.

Play a key role in the sustainable energy transformation of a strategic African country.