O&M Business Developer; Solar PV

Introduction

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.

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.

• 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.