Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar
Business Development Manager - Agriculture (C&I Solar)
Location: South Africa
Industry: Renewable Energy | Commercial & Industrial Solar
Reporting To: Commercial Director / Head of C&I
About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager to take ownership of the agricultural market segment within their Commercial & Industrial (C&I) solar business. This individual will be responsible for developing and executing the go-to-market strategy for the agriculture sector, building strong relationships across the industry, and driving the growth of solar and energy solutions for farming and agri-processing customers.
This is a highly autonomous role suited to someone with an established agricultural network, a deep understanding of the sector's operational and commercial challenges, and a proven ability to develop new business opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead the agriculture vertical within the C&I business.
- Develop and execute a growth strategy targeting farms, agri-processing facilities, packhouses, cold storage operations and agribusinesses.
- Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers across the agricultural sector.
- Identify, qualify and secure new renewable energy opportunities.
- Work closely with engineering, technical, finance and project delivery teams to develop tailored energy solutions.
- Understand customer energy consumption patterns and business drivers to position suitable solutions.
- Develop partnerships with industry associations, agricultural consultants, financiers and relevant stakeholders.
- Attend and represent the business at agricultural events, exhibitions and industry forums.
- Maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities and deliver against revenue and growth targets.
- Monitor market trends, competitive activity and regulatory developments impacting the agricultural sector.
Requirements
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Engineering or a related field.
- Proven business development or sales experience within the agriculture sector.
- Strong existing network across South African agriculture, including farmers, agribusinesses and industry stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex commercial sales cycles.
- Strong understanding of agricultural operations, seasonal factors and sector-specific challenges.
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Ability to travel regularly within South Africa.
Highly Advantageous
- Experience selling renewable energy, solar, energy efficiency or infrastructure solutions.
- Understanding of C&I solar, wheeling, battery energy storage and broader energy solutions.
- Established relationships with large-scale farming groups, agri-processors and agricultural cooperatives.
- Experience structuring commercial proposals and business cases.
Key Competencies
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build and own a market segment.
- Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
- Self-starter with a high level of accountability.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to navigate complex customer environments and influence decision-makers.
Success Measures
- Growth of the agricultural customer portfolio.
- Revenue and pipeline generation within the agriculture segment.
- Development of strategic industry partnerships.
- Conversion of new opportunities into successful projects.
- Establishment of the company as a leading energy partner to the agricultural sector.
Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar
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