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 plantsCollaborate with project and EPC teams to align commercial objectives, pricing, and security packagesNegotiate and renew existing O&M contracts to maximize valueLead responses to RFQs, develop commercial proposals, and actively follow up on opportunitiesMonitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing developmentsEstablish, grow, and maintain relationships with key clients and stakeholdersOperational Leadership Support
Oversee operational decision-making in collaboration with O&M teams to ensure smooth and risk-managed delivery of servicesMaintain high safety and quality standards across all O&M activitiesManage onboarding and handover of new PV and hybrid plants to the O&M portfolioIdentify gaps and implement improvements to operational and commercial processesMentor and guide O&M team leaders to foster a high-performance cultureAct as the main point of contact for executive leadership on all O&M commercial mattersRequirements
Bachelor’s degree (preferable) or equivalent experience in business, technical, or management disciplinesAt least 10 years’ experience in Operations & Maintenance, Asset Management, or commercial management, with 5 years in a senior leadership roleProven P&L management experience and strong financial literacyCommercial negotiation skills and experience managing high‑value client contractsSignificant experience within the South African renewable energy sector, ideally with utility‑scale solar PV or hybrid projectsStrong understanding of O&M operations, PV plant components, HV substations, and BESSExperience managing diverse, large teams both on‑site and office‑basedBusiness development experience in O&M services is highly desirableExcellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skillsKnowledge of South African renewable energy regulations, BBBEE, ESG, and empowerment standardsProficient in Microsoft Office and CRM toolsWhat’s on Offer
A senior commercial leadership role driving utility‑scale O&M business growth and operational excellenceFull responsibility for P&L, business development, and client relationshipsOpportunity to make a significant impact on renewable energy adoption in South AfricaCompetitive remuneration package with performance‑based incentivesHybrid working options and a supportive, professional environment#J-18808-Ljbffr