Business Development Manager Energy Storage (Batteries & BESS) South Africa Permanent | Senior Management Reporting to: Managing Director About the Opportunity A leading energy solutions company is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Business Development Manager Energy Storage (Batteries & BESS) to spearhead the growth of its Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) business across South Africa. This is a strategic leadership role for a highly connected industry professional who combines deep market knowledge, strong commercial acumen, and technical understanding of battery storage solutions. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying and securing major opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and driving sustainable business growth within the rapidly evolving energy storage sector. Key Responsibilities Market & Industry Leadership Serve as the companys subject matter expert on the South African battery and BESS market. Monitor technology developments, market trends, regulatory changes, and funding mechanisms. Identify emerging opportunities and provide strategic market intelligence to executive leadership. Support business strategy and product positioning through informed market insights. Strategic Relationship Management Leverage and expand an established network within utilities, developers, IPPs, EPCs, mining houses, industrial customers, consultants, financiers, and relevant institutions. Develop high-value partnerships and alliances that support business growth and market penetration. Position the company as a preferred energy storage solutions partner. Business Development & Revenue Growth Identify, originate, and close high-value battery and BESS opportunities. Develop sector-specific growth strategies and key account plans. Drive expansion into new markets while strengthening existing customer relationships. Deliver measurable revenue growth and market share expansion. Technical Solution Development Maintain a strong understanding of battery technologies, BESS architectures, and operational use cases such as:Peak shaving Solar shifting Backup power Ancillary services Collaborate with engineering teams to develop commercially viable and technically robust solutions. Translate customer requirements into practical system designs and energy storage solutions. Commercial Leadership & Deal Structuring Lead commercial negotiations and support executive management in complex deal structuring. Understand and communicate key financial metrics including:Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) Payback analysis Performance guarantees Availability metrics Liquidated damages Warranties and service models Work closely with Finance and Legal teams to develop pricing strategies and contract frameworks that protect margins and support sustainable growth. Sales Governance & Forecasting Own the complete sales pipeline from lead generation through contract award. Maintain accurate forecasting, pipeline reporting, and revenue projections. Ensure disciplined use of CRM and business management systems. Provide regular business updates and strategic reports to the Managing Director. Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead commercial inputs on bids, proposals, and project development initiatives. Provide market feedback to support product development and competitiveness. Mentor and develop junior sales and business development professionals as the team grows. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Business, Energy Management, or a related field. A strong technical qualification combined with significant commercial experience will be highly advantageous. Experience Minimum 8 years experience in sales and business development within the energy, power, renewables, or related industrial sectors. Several years of leadership or management experience. Direct experience with batteries, energy storage systems, or related power infrastructure solutions. Proven track record of originating and closing large-scale commercial opportunities. Demonstrated success in growing businesses, regions, or product portfolios. Industry Network An established network within the South African energy ecosystem, including: Independent Power Producers (IPPs) Developers EPC Contractors Utilities Mining and industrial customers Consultants Financial institutions and project funders Key Competencies ✔ Strong knowledge of the South African energy and energy storage market ✔ Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills ✔ Advanced commercial negotiation and deal-structuring capability ✔ Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences ✔ Strong strategic thinking and business development expertise ✔ Excellent presentation, influencing, and communication skills ✔ Highly self-motivated, results-driven, and accountable ✔ Strong organisational and pipeline management skills Why Join? This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in South Africas energy transition and help shape the future of battery energy storage solutions. You will work directly with executive leadership while influencing major projects across the countrys rapidly growing renewable energy and storage sector. How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV to: