Business Development Lead, Mano River Union

Company Description

We are one of the Financial Times' Africa's Fastest Growing Companies! PowerGen ranked 40th in the overall rankings and 5th in the Energy & Utilities sector. PowerGen a leading renewable energy platform in sub-Saharan Africa. PowerGen owns and operates renewable energy and distribution utility assets to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to all. We are looking for professionals who want to be a part of a highly driven team which is at the forefront of the market and hungry to reshape the landscape of energy in Africa. We want leaders who are committed to the mission and able to think broadly and dynamically about a complex challenge, without losing focus on the critical day-to-day details of managing projects or a team.

Job Description

Purpose / Overview
The Business Development Lead, Mano River Union Region will drive C&I energy sales and project
origination across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, focusing on renewable energy solutions for C&I
clients
You will manage the full business development cycle: from opportunity identification, feasibility analysis,
and financial modelling to proposal development, contracting, and stakeholder engagement. The role
requires close coordination with internal teams and external partners to advance projects from origination to
execution readiness, with frequent travel across the MRU region.

KPIs:
1. Pipeline growth & opportunity conversion: Number of new leads, proposals, and closed deals in
the C&I and grid segment.
2. Revenue & margin achievement: Value and profitability of closed projects aligned to financial
targets.
3. Project feasibility & bankability: Timely delivery of feasibility assessments, financial models, and
risk mitigation plans.
4. Proposal quality & approval: Accuracy and completeness of commercial proposals, pricing, and
contractual terms.
5. Stakeholder engagement effectiveness: Timely approvals, partner commitments, and
government/regulator alignment.
6. Market intelligence & insights: Regular reporting on customer needs, competitor activity, and
market trends.
7. Regulatory & compliance adherence: Compliance with licensing, permitting, and local regulatory
requirements.
8. Timely reporting & dashboards: Maintenance of project pipeline, dashboards, and status reports.
9. Cross-functional coordination: Effective engagement with engineering, HSES, legal, finance, and
implementation teams.
10. Business development process improvement: Contribution to enhancing BD workflows, tools,
and systems.

Activities:
1. Originate and identify commercial & industrial (C&I) renewable energy opportunities across Sierra
Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
2. Conduct detailed feasibility assessments, financial modelling, and risk analysis for potential C&I
projects.
3. Develop and deliver commercial proposals, pricing models, and contract structures tailored for
industrial and commercial clients.
4. Engage directly with clients to understand energy needs, negotiate agreements, and secure project
commitments.
5. Track project pipelines, maintain dashboards, and provide regular updates on BD progress and
KPIs.
6. Coordinate with internal teams including engineering, finance, legal, and HSES to ensure projects
meet investment and execution criteria.
7. Navigate regulatory approvals, permitting, and compliance requirements specific to C&I projects in
the MRU region.
8. Continuously improve business development processes, tools, and client engagement strategies for
efficiency and scalability.

Competencies:
1. Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess market opportunities, identify gaps, and develop actionable
strategies for C&I growth in multiple countries.
2. Industry Network & Market Access: Strong, senior-level network within energy-intensive sectors
such as mining, manufacturing, and agro-processing, with the ability to leverage relationships to
originate and advance opportunities.
3. Client Engagement: Skilled at building relationships with commercial and industrial clients,
understanding their energy needs, and negotiating contracts.
4. Financial Acumen: Strong capability in financial modeling, evaluating project returns, and making
investment recommendations.
5. Regulatory Navigation: Knowledgeable in local regulatory frameworks, permitting, and compliance
requirements in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
6. Project Development: Hands-on experience leading C&I project development from origination to
contract signing, ensuring feasibility and bankability.
7. Commercial Insight: Ability to structure deals, assess pricing strategies, and create compelling
commercial proposals.
8. Analytical Skills: Able to interpret market intelligence, client data, and operational metrics to inform
decision-making.
9. Collaboration: Works effectively across internal teams (Engineering, Finance, Legal, HSES) to
ensure project success.
10. Adaptability: Comfortable in fast-paced, high-change environments and capable of managing
multiple workstreams.
11. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of
complex ideas to clients, partners, and internal leadership.
 

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience;
● Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Energy Systems, or related field
● Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in business development, project origination, or commercial
roles in the energy or renewable energy sector.
● Proven experience in C&I project development, ideally within multiple African markets, including
Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
● Strong track record in deal origination, financial modeling, contract negotiation, and project
structuring.
● Experience engaging with commercial and industrial clients, government agencies, and regulatory
authorities.
● Demonstrated ability to lead multi-country business development initiatives, with strategic oversight
of pipelines and opportunity prioritization.
● Knowledge of energy regulations, permitting, and compliance frameworks in West Africa.
● Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills.
● Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in fast-paced,
high-growth environments

Additional Information

Benefits and Compensation:

A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance, professional development and team building events. And you'll be working with a dynamic team of people passionate about electrifying East  and West Africa!

Why Join Us

• Lead landmark solar hybrid projects transforming Nigeria’s and West Africa’s energy landscape.

• Be part of a fast-growing regional team with projects across Africa.

• Take ownership of complex, high-impact projects from concept to operation.