Business Development Lead, Mano River Union

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.

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:
11. Originate and identify commercial & industrial (C&I) renewable energy opportunities across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
12. Conduct detailed feasibility assessments, financial modelling, and risk analysis for potential C&I projects.
13. Develop and deliver commercial proposals, pricing models, and contract structures tailored for industrial and commercial clients.
14. Engage directly with clients to understand energy needs, negotiate agreements, and secure project commitments.
15. Track project pipelines, maintain dashboards, and provide regular updates on BD progress and KPIs.
16. Coordinate with internal teams including engineering, finance, legal, and HSES to ensure projects meet investment and execution criteria.
17. Navigate regulatory approvals, permitting, and compliance requirements specific to C&I projects in the MRU region.
18. Continuously improve business development processes, tools, and client engagement strategies for efficiency and scalability. Competencies:
19. Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess market opportunities, identify gaps, and develop actionable strategies for C&I growth in multiple countries.
20. 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.
21. Client Engagement: Skilled at building relationships with commercial and industrial clients, understanding their energy needs, and negotiating contracts.
22. Financial Acumen: Strong capability in financial modeling, evaluating project returns, and making investment recommendations.
23. Regulatory Navigation: Knowledgeable in local regulatory frameworks, permitting, and compliance requirements in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea.
24. Project Development: Hands-on experience leading C&I project development from origination to contract signing, ensuring feasibility and bankability.
25. Commercial Insight: Ability to structure deals, assess pricing strategies, and create compelling commercial proposals.
26. Analytical Skills: Able to interpret market intelligence, client data, and operational metrics to inform decision-making.
27. Collaboration: Works effectively across internal teams (Engineering, Finance, Legal, HSES) to ensure project success.
28. Adaptability: Comfortable in fast-paced, high-change environments and capable of managing multiple workstreams.
29. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of complex ideas to clients, partners, and internal leadership.

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 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.