Commercial Manager - Johannesburg, South Africa - Puma Energy

Description

Main Purpose:

This role will be responsible for managing existing and new key customers / key accounts, driving business-to-business relationships, and working on a fast-paced, effective sales lead to support Puma Energy's solar objectives.

The position will be part of a team focused on selling Pumas solar and hybrid (storage/diesel) energy solutions via PPAs and lease agreements to small and large commercial and utility-scale solar (PV) markets in Africa.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the customer/prospect solar and hybrid Puma Energy portfolio in the assigned B2B African region

Gains new business and make necessary contacts by generating interest and translating the latent needs of the B2B customer into sustainable energy solutions to reach the defined sales objectives

Expands Puma's energy sales network by identifying, pitching, and building relationships with potential partners and/or customers in key African markets through cold-calling, networking, qualifying prospects, and closing sales.

Deepens and expands relationships and business with existing partners/customers

Integrate information, resources, and activities within the region and participates in the formulation of the sales PPA, lease, and rent-to-own contract negotiation and contract confirmation.

Develops specific customer strategies and campaign plans, driving leadership in their execution

Is accountable for implementing and executing the monthly, quarterly and annual sales strategy

Works together with the Solar project manager and Future Energies team in developing energy projects

Preparation of quotations, calculation of the economic modeling, follow-up and advice in the design of the appropriate financial structures

Provides regular reporting to management, including sales pipeline development, forecasting, key account status, market condition updates, sales results and team earnings

Efficiently and pro-actively manages relationships providing quotations, shepherding orders through the company process, and providing excellent post-sales service on a timely basis

Manages daily activities of the operational sales support function.

Oversees workflow of all sales processing including preparation of reports, charts, and other statistics to support and direct the sales department.

Travel as required

REQUIREMENTS

Background & Experience:

Minimum 3 years in commercial experience in the B2B energy sector, preferably in Solar PV.

Experience with utilities, EPCs and IPPs is preferable

Engineering background or equivalent is preferable

A degree in business administration / sales is a plus

Strong commercial acumen

Literacy in financials

Skills:

Leading people and strong influencing skills

Strong negotiation and sales skills

Financial acumen to manage a P&L

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications; Presentation tools and programs;

Ability to travel extensively

Fluent English

Has an experience/affinity with technical products and project sales

Good organizer and planner with time management skills, you formalize actions and their follow-up/reporting (CRM, salesforce)

Competencies:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced, organizationally flat environment and under pressure

Excellent negotiation and analytical skills

Flexible and stress-resistant, you work well in a continuously changing environment

Creative, assertive and result-oriented with initiative towards innovative solutions/ideas (entrepreneurial spirit)

Strong work ethics

Ability to interact with large external clients and vendors as well as key internal stakeholders

Work independently

Be a strong team player, and

Work on multiple projects concurrently.

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal – Global Head of Solar & related staff

External – B2B Customers, Potential Clients / Customers, Service Providers,