Business Development Manager at EarthStream

Summary

The role will focus on leading the development of projects, including both greenfield projects and competitive tenders. The Business Development (BD) Manager will run projects from the early stages to financial close. The BD Manager drives full cycle project development, from permitting, managing consultants, conducting site visits, engaging with land owners, government and utility stakeholders, managing project partners, managing detailed project budgeting, overseeing the financial model, managing full bid submissions, preparing and presenting internal investment committee papers, and driving the financing workstreams with our specialist financing teams. Regular regional travel is likely and the role will entail active engagement with team members in South Africa and across the Global network of offices.  

The successful applicant should have experience in a variety of technologies such as solar PV, wind, gas-fired power, and battery storage technology. 

• Assess feasibility of project opportunities.
• Lead preparation and submission of project tenders in compliance with the tender rules and internal approvals.
• Lead the negotiation of project and financing agreements – including power off-take agreements (PPA), construction contracts (EPC, TSA, BOP), O&M agreements, and financing documents as required.
• Support the structuring and negotiation of equity investment agreements such as Joint Development Agreements, shareholder agreements or share purchase agreements.
• Manage consultants’ scopes of work, appointments and delivery.
• Conduct site visits with consultants, engage with relevant stakeholders and work to secure sites.
• Budgeting, expense tracking and reporting Assist in presenting the project for all internal approvals, including preparation of investment committee approval memorandums
• Design and delivery of key stats reports as well as support with both internal and external presentations and board papers
• Developing and refining market strategies and positions with key team members.
• Project scheduling, ensuring that key milestones are achieved on schedule and within budget
• Lead projects through all aspects of the development life cycle from inception to financial close

Education and/or Experience

• Relevant business knowledge and experience in a similar role
• Practical experience in a similar position advantageous
• 5 years of experience or exposure to energy infrastructure (preferably renewable power) development, construction, and funding activities
• A minimum undergraduate degree in either Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical), Economics, Finance, or Science;
• Specific course work in engineering, finance or policy based tertiary study in Energy or Power Plant Development
• Have additional spoken languages, especially - Portuguese and/or French

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Detailed project development experience in renewable energy (wind and Solar PV)
• Knowledge of battery energy storage; practical experience in working with battery storage projects beneficial
• Required to have led detailed tender submissions
• Competent in reviewing financial models and critically analysing key inputs
• Experience in reviewing and critically analysing project documentation (PPAs, IAs, etc.)
• Competent in negotiating key land agreements, partnerships, and consultant agreements.
• Detailed budgeting, expense management and reporting experience
• Strong task and project management skills
• Strong analytical, strategic and critical thinking
• Problem solving and an individual who show initiative to take on challenges and find solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; in particular, presentation skills at all levels
• Strong MS Office skills, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and MS projects