Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute professional to spearhead municipal energy sales and partnerships across South Africa. This role focuses on unlocking value in the public sector by establishing direct and indirect energy supply agreements with municipalities and their connected customers. It combines business development, regulatory navigation, public sector engagement, and market positioning to drive adoption of alternative energy solutions, particularly those involving wheeling and embedded generation.

This role is best suited to someone who thrives in a complex, evolving environment, and who brings deep familiarity with municipal structures, procurement frameworks, and the South African energy landscape. You will be instrumental in shaping energy trading strategies, building long-term relationships with municipal stakeholders, and ensuring that our offerings align with public sector needs and compliance requirements.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement go-to-market strategies focused on municipal energy supply channels.

• Conduct in-depth research into municipal procurement procedures, energy demand profiles, and regulatory conditions to uncover viable entry points.

• Create and refine commercial models and strategic business plans tailored to the municipal market.

• Align internal teams around these models to ensure operational readiness and policy alignment.

• Cultivate strong relationships with municipal leadership, including energy and infrastructure departments, finance teams, and procurement officials.

• Liaise with government bodies such as Eskom, NERSA, and SALGA to support regulatory compliance and drive forward favourable policy environments.

• Represent the company at industry events, workshops, and public-sector forums to build visibility and trust.

• Collaborate with internal teams to tailor energy solutions for public sector clients, including wheeling, direct supply, and third-party access arrangements.

• Identify and engage with end-users connected to municipal networks who would benefit from cleaner, cost-effective energy alternatives.

• Stay abreast of evolving legislation and procurement rules affecting private-sector participation in municipal energy delivery.

• Support internal legal and regulatory teams in crafting compliant proposals, submissions, and deal structures.

• Proactively advocate for policy adjustments that open the market for independent energy traders and producers.

• Prepare commercial proposals and lead contractual negotiations with municipal authorities.

• Where appropriate, structure and secure Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for long-term energy collaboration.

• Track municipal engagements, sales progress, compliance milestones, and signed deals.

• Provide senior leadership with data-driven insights on market penetration, competition, and growth potential.

• Coordinate with internal departments (legal, product development, energy trading, and operations) to ensure that solutions are technically and commercially aligned.

• Explore emerging global trends in municipal energy models and apply relevant insights to improve product-market fit and competitive advantage.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Energy, Business, Engineering, Public Policy, or related field.

• A postgraduate degree such as an MBA, MPA, or LLM (Energy Law) is advantageous.

• 7–10 years’ experience in energy sales, public sector engagement, or regulatory affairs, preferably with exposure to large-scale contracts or PPP models.

• Deep understanding of municipal energy systems, regulatory agencies (Eskom, NERSA), and South African public procurement dynamics.

• Strong track record in policy advocacy, stakeholder management, and navigating complex contract negotiations.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proven business development and deal-structuring capability.

• Skilled communicator with the ability to influence across senior public and private sector stakeholders.

• Strong negotiation and problem-solving ability, especially within government and parastatal contexts.

• Collaborative and cross-functional thinker who can integrate legal, technical, and commercial considerations.

• Clear passion for renewable energy and an understanding of the role municipalities play in driving transition.

• Comfortable presenting at conferences, public hearings, and stakeholder forums.

• Strategic mindset combined with a pragmatic, action-oriented approach.

Behavioural Competencies

• Leadership and cross-functional collaboration

• Strategic foresight and planning

• Strong interpersonal influence and communication

• Sound judgment and problem-solving

• Adaptability in complex and changing environments

• Public service orientation and client responsiveness

• Creativity in solution design and market entry