Our client is seeking an experienced O&M Business Developer to support the growth of their solar PV Operations & Maintenance portfolio within the commercial and industrial (C&I) market. Based in Johannesburg, this role is focused on identifying, developing, and closing new O&M opportunities for operating solar PV and battery energy storage assets.

This position sits at the intersection of technical understanding and commercial engagement. The successful candidate will understand how solar plants operate, be comfortable discussing performance, failures, and operational risk, and be able to engage confidently with asset owners, EPCs, and consulting engineers. The role is strongly focused on new business development, with responsibility for taking opportunities from first conversation through to contract close and handover to the operations team.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Opportunity Identification

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities for solar PV and battery energy storage O&M contracts within the C&I market.

• Proactively approach potential clients, including asset owners, project developers, and investors, to introduce O&M capabilities and service offerings.

• Develop and manage a pipeline of O&M opportunities, from early engagement through to contract close.

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with asset owners, EPCs, consulting engineers, and other key stakeholders.

• Lead technical and commercial discussions around solar plant operations, performance optimisation, failures, and operational risk.

• Act as a trusted technical-commercial partner to clients, helping them understand the value of professional and proactive O&M services.

Proposals & Contracting

• Lead the preparation of O&M proposals, working closely with internal technical teams to define scope, service levels, and pricing.

• Present proposals to clients, respond to technical and commercial queries, and negotiate contract terms.

• Close O&M contracts aligned with client needs and service delivery capabilities.

Market Presence & Industry Engagement

• Represent the business at industry events, meetings, and networking opportunities.

• Monitor market trends, competitor offerings, and emerging client needs within the C&I solar O&M space.

• Provide market and client feedback to internal teams to support continuous improvement of O&M offerings.

Handover & Internal Collaboration

• Ensure a structured and effective handover of signed O&M contracts to the operations team.

• Clearly communicate contract scope, service requirements, performance expectations, and site details.

• Support the onboarding of new O&M clients to ensure a smooth transition into operations.

Requirements & Experience

• Proven experience within the solar PV industry, specifically in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment.

• Demonstrated experience or strong exposure to solar PV operations and maintenance, with a solid understanding of how solar plants operate.

• Ability to confidently discuss plant performance, failures, maintenance strategies, and operational risk with technically informed stakeholders.

• Previous experience in a business development, technical sales, or commercial role within the renewable energy or power sector.

• Strong proposal development and negotiation skills, with experience closing B2B service contracts.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage asset owners, EPCs, and consulting engineers.

• An existing network within the solar, energy, or infrastructure sector is advantageous.

• Self-motivated, commercially driven, and comfortable working independently while collaborating with technical teams.

• Passion for renewable energy and a strong interest in long-term asset performance and reliability.

We are seeking a Proposal / Technical Sales Engineer to join our solar and battery energy storage EPC team in Cape Town. You will play a key part in our growth by preparing, developing, and delivering comprehensive proposals for commercial and industrial solar PV and battery storage projects. You will engage with clients to understand their energy needs, craft tailored technical solutions, and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure proposals are technically sound, financially viable, and aligned with client requirements. This position requires a balance of engineering expertise, financial acumen, and client-facing communication skills to design compelling renewable energy solutions that meet business goals and win projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Needs Assessment: Conduct site assessments and gather critical data on client facilities to inform system design. This includes technical site inspections and analyzing client requirements to determine optimal solutions.

• Solution Design & Feasibility: Develop customized solar PV and battery storage system designs. Perform technical and financial feasibility studies, including system sizing and yield simulations using industry tools.

• Proposal Development: Prepare comprehensive proposal documentation including technical descriptions, a Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and detailed cost estimates for solar and battery projects.

• Cost Estimation & Financial Analysis: Accurately estimate all project costs and conduct financial modeling to demonstrate ROI, payback periods, and energy savings.

• Internal Collaboration: Coordinate with engineering, design, procurement, and construction teams to ensure proposal feasibility and alignment with internal capabilities.

• Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination: Obtain and negotiate vendor quotes and integrate accurate pricing and specifications into proposals.

• RFP/RFQ Management: Lead the response to Requests for Proposal or Quotation, ensuring all technical and commercial requirements are met and deadlines are achieved.

• Client Presentation & Support: Support the sales team in presenting proposals, explaining system designs, and adjusting proposals based on client feedback.

• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain organized documentation and ensure proposals comply with company standards and applicable regulations.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve templates and processes, and apply lessons learned from past bids to improve proposal success.

• Market Research: Stay current with solar PV and battery technology trends and apply this knowledge to create competitive, cutting-edge proposals.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Renewable Energy, or related field).

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in the solar industry, especially in commercial and industrial projects. Experience in technical salesor proposal development is essential.

• Technical Knowledge: Solid understanding of solar PV systems and battery energy storage solutions, including key components and integration principles.

• Software Proficiency: Skilled in design and simulation software such as PVsyst and HelioScope.

• Financial Acumen: Ability to model system performance and economics, including ROI and tariff savings.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Organizational Skills: High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.

• Teamwork & Independence: Works well independently and in a team. Proactive, self-motivated, and solution-oriented.

• Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license is essential. Comfortable working in high-risk environments such as rooftops and industrial facilities. Training and certification for working at heights will be provided.

Location & Eligibility

This role is based in Cape Town, and applicants must reside in the Cape Town.
We are currently only considering South African citizens or individuals who hold a valid South African work visa. Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa will be required during the hiring process.