Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar

Reference: JN -102026-87783_1792577874

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.

COMPETITIVE SALARY
Added 21/10/2026
Reference: JN -102026-87783_1792577874

Business Development Manager - (C&I) Solar

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Permanent Energy Resources

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