Business Development Associate

The Business Development Associate will assist in leading the development and growth of profitable new business in the diverse Energy market, along with developing and maintaining key business relationships. The role will interact closely with internal and external stakeholders managing opportunities, from initiation to commercial approval by means of project management, technical and commercial skill sets. The Business Development Associate will support the Group with exploring new markets, research development, project management and client-relationship management as required.

The role will report directly to the Business Development Specialist.

• Support in the planning, market analyses/scrutiny and the identification of opportunities for new activities and/or the expansion of current initiatives.
• Promote the products and services of the company to new and existing base.
• Clarify and establish client needs, to inform the development of suitable solutions and offerings.
• Analyse and prepare due diligence for new opportunities and activities.
• Coordinate and interface with internal teams to deliver client satisfaction.
• Support the negotiation and finalisation of partnership agreements to progress opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts and support the transition from client acquisition to project delivery phase.

• Develop and manage relationships with key partners across the private and public sectors.
• Effective communication of the businesses profile and offering potential.
• Manage existing customer relationships and ensure continuing and increased profitability across the portfolio.
• Develop and build relationships with government agents, regulatory bodies, at municipal, provincial and national level to increase support and scope of participation for all projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with academic institutions to increase support and scope of participation for all projects.
• Represent the company at industry events and identify and cultivate important new partners.
• Work with the management team to ensure relationships are formed within new and existing clients and stakeholders at the appropriate levels.

• Conduct market research to support the identification of new opportunities and upkeep with industry developments.
• Analyses trends and potential funding sources within the development space.

• Assist in budgeting and financial planning for business development activities.
• Monitor financial performance against targets and support reporting.
• Support the existing profit centres team in identifying and closing both project and corporate financing for all work.
• Support the close of new business deals including negotiations with clients and integrate contract requirements with business operations.

• Support in formulating annual business development plans, quarterly forecasts and monthly reports on all activities necessary to achieve the company’s objectives.
• Support the planning and execution the business development strategic plan
• Maintain the business units and business wide operational processes.
• Undertake all business unit administrative functions (e.g. document registers, meeting liaising, meeting notes, invoicing, etc.)

• Foster a learning and information sharing environment.
• Support team deliverables and lead contributions of your strong suit.

• Ensure that all relevant regulatory, ESG (environment, social and governance) and business requirements or best practices are adhered to.
• Keep up to date with developments or changes in regulatory, ESG requirements or best practices.

• Assist in the design and implementation of community development programmes.
• Monitor and evaluate progress of initiatives to ensure they meet defined objectives and outcomes.

• As a member of the Business Development team, the Business Development Associate will conduct their work, operate in and support the diverse markets Pele Energy Group has identified to be key strategic areas of focus, these include (but not limited to)
• Utility-scale Renewable Energy projects (full project life cycle)
• Utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System projects (full project life cycle)
• Energy Trading and Merchant Power Sale
• Community Development social infrastructure projects (full project life cycle)
• Skills Development programmes (full programme life cycle)
• Infrastructure projects grant
• Voluntary and Compliance Carbon Markets
• Power generation related technologies’ projects (full project life cycle)
• Future sustainable technologies’ projects and piloting (full project life cycle)

• Bachelor's in finance, Engineering (built environment), Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Law, Property Development/Studies and Environmental Sciences.
• Post-graduate qualification is beneficial.
• 2 - 5 years' experience in an infrastructure/CAPEX project, structured finance or a property development work environment.
• Consideration will be given to candidates with experience in the following roles.
• Specialised Finance Analyst or Associate
• Corporate Finance Analyst or Associate
• Project Finance Analyst or Associate
• Project Engineer (any discipline)
• Commercial / Contracts Manager (junior to mid-level)
• Legal Analyst
• Quantity surveyor
• Project Site Developer
• Environmental Scientist or Consultant
• Environmental Officer
• Experience in sourcing, pursuing and managing new business opportunities.
• Experience in the Areas of Focus related to Pele Energy Group.
• Research, competitor analysis and market analysis skills
• Ability to speak and present confidently.
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (technical, finance and project development).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Advanced MS Office proficiency.

Work Delivery Capabilities:

• Excellence and quality driven
• Methodical, planned and organised 
• Deadline time management

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Attention to detail 
• Problem solving
• Critical/Extrapolative thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Collaborative
• Instructible
• Flexible