Solar Sales Manager BESS - CLSSM

Armstrong Appointments; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Location flexibility (SA)

Job summary

Armstrong Appointments in South Africa seeks a Solar Sales Manager-BESS Head of Sales to lead and expand regional BESS sales across Southern Africa. You will steer strategic market positioning, manage key accounts, and guide a cross-functional team toward large-scale energy solutions, including grid stabilization, hybrid systems, and mining energy projects. A strong track record in large-scale power deals is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years in sales or business development.
• Proven track record in selling large-scale power infrastructure solutions.
• Strong understanding of African energy markets and procurement structures.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing strategic accounts.
• Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Africa regional sales strategy for Utility BESS solutions.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing sales team across target African markets.
• Establish scalable go-to-market models with direct sales and partnerships.
• Drive revenue growth and achieve regional sales targets.
• Manage complex commercial negotiations including EPC supply and long-term service agreements.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, finance, and marketing to ensure successful project delivery.

Skills

Strategic sales leadership

Utility-scale project development

Energy infrastructure negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Market analysis & planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

Main job function

Solar Sales ManagerBESS is responsible for leading and expanding the company’s Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) sales activities across Southern African markets.

The role focuses on developing strategic market presence, managing key accounts, and interacting and collaborating with a high-performing regional sales team targeting utility-scale power plants, mining energy solutions and hybrid power systems.

The position requires a commercially driven leader with a strong track record in selling large-scale electricity generation or energy infrastructure solutions and demonstrated experience of compiling large complex tenders for Utility scale BESS projects.

The Head of Sales will work closely with cross-functional internal teams including engineering, product management, project execution, finance, and marketing to ensure successful execution of sales strategies and project outcomes, reflecting collaboration principles outlined in internal sales structures.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Minimum 7+ years of experience in sales or business development.

Proven track record in selling large-scale power infrastructure solutions.

Strong understanding of African energy markets and procurement structures.

Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing strategic accounts.

Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office Suite.

Key Skills

Strategic sales leadership

Utility-scale project development

Energy infrastructure commercial negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Market analysis and strategic planning

Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Key Responsibilities

Sales Leadership & Strategy

Develop and execute the Africa regional sales strategy for Utility BESS solutions aligned with company growth objectives.

Lead, mentor, and work with a high-performing sales team across target African markets.

Establish scalable go-to-market models combining direct sales and strategic partnerships.

Identify priority markets including utility-scale projects, mining energy solutions, hybrid generation systems, and off-grid electrification opportunities.

Drive revenue growth and achieve regional sales targets.

Develop performance-based partner frameworks including technical enablement, commercial alignment, and sales support.

Business Development & Key Account Management

Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers including:

Utilities

Independent Power Producers (IPPs)

Mining companies

EPC contractors

Government and regulatory stakeholders

Lead complex commercial negotiations including EPC supply agreements, long-term service agreements, and framework contracts.

Engage early with customers to identify technical and commercial challenges and convert them into structured project opportunities.

Support development of strategic partnerships and channel ecosystems across Africa.

Technical Sales & Market Positioning

Promote advanced Utility BESS solutions including grid stabilization, hybridization with PV, Wind or thermal generation, peak shaving, and energy optimization for mining/off-grid environments.

Maintain strong understanding of market regulations, energy policy, and grid infrastructure requirements across African markets.

Provide strategic input on pricing models, commercial structures, and financing approaches where required.

Cross-Functional Collaboration - Collaborate closely with:

Engineering and pre-sales teams for technical solution development

Product management for roadmap alignment

Project delivery teams to ensure successful project execution

Finance and legal teams during contract negotiations

Marketing teams for regional positioning and market intelligence

Provide structured feedback to internal stakeholders regarding customer needs, competitive landscape, and emerging market opportunities.

Market Intelligence & Strategic Development

Monitor competitive activity, regulatory changes, and technology developments impacting BESS adoption.

Shape go-to-market strategies based on regional energy transition drivers.

Support strategic initiatives to expand market penetration and establish long-term regional leadership.

Reporting & Governance

Maintain accurate sales forecasting and pipeline reporting using CRM tools.

Provide regular updates to senior leadership on performance, risks, and market insights.

Ensure alignment with internal governance, compliance, and commercial approval processes.

Package & Remuneration

Remuneration: R1.2M - R1.4M per annum

Location: South Africa (Flexible - major energy hub cities preferred CT/JHB)