SA - Commercial Analyst

Summary of Role:

The Commercial Analyst role is within the Energy Market and PPAs division of the Commercial function of Mainstream South Africa. The key aim of the role is to support the Energy Market and PPAs team focussed on identifying, fostering and originating new business opportunities, client relationship management, negotiation of commercial terms, and development of systems and processes necessary to build and maintain a customer focussed business model.

Activities will cover all aspects of sales, marketing, business development, account management, customer relations management (CRM), tender and proposal structuring, stakeholder engagement, internal team engagement, and administrative and support Functions.

The Commercial Analyst will also support the wider commercial team’s bidding and financial close processes as and when required.

The key objectives of the role are:

1. Business Development and Sales
   1. Assistance with driving sales and business development initiatives to acquire new customers and meet company revenue objectives.
   2. Assistance with developing and implementing administrative procedures to drive energy sales and customer service.
   3. Assistance with developing a service offering that is robust, market competitive and scalable.
   4. Provide sales and service-related information as required based on sales and service activities.
   5. Report on the performance of the sales team regarding achievement against targets monthly.
   6. Manage sales pipelines and lead database to support ongoing sales prospecting.
   7. Implement and manage Sales Administration Tools (CRM Software).

1. Marketing and Brand Awareness

2. Support product brand and image

3. Work with the corporate branding team to manage brand and marketing initiatives.

4. Perform market and client research, and competitor analysis.

5. Assist with social media and website content.

6. Organize and manage marketing/product collateral.

7. Attend trade shows, company marketing initiatives.

What you will do:

Core Responsibilities:

Business Development and Sales Management

• Sell Renewable Energy Solutions to medium and large businesses.

• Assist in preparing pitch offerings for internal approvals.

• Assistance in identifying prospective clients for promotion of products & services.

• Assistance in developing strategic and tactical sales channels and new business development opportunities.

• Analyse customer requirements together with the commercial team and ensure our offering meets customer needs.

• Prepare proposals, quotes, contracts, or presentations for potential customers.

• Keep informed of competing products/services (public and private companies) and keep abreast of relevant sales techniques to ensure the team remains ahead.

• Maintain and develop organizational culture, values, and reputation in its markets and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and regulatory / official bodies.

• Travel to customer locations for business meetings and to deliver presentations.

Account Management

• Assist in managing relationship dynamics with customers and other stakeholders.
• Assist in developing an automated process to manage clients.
• Managing customer accounts, following up with customers for administrative purposes

Relationship Management

• On/off-boarding of customers

• Responding to any customer inquiries

• Effective communication with customers (phone/email/in person)

• Positive relationships with other departments that help facilitate customer service

• Billing queries and customer retention

What we require:

• We are looking for an ambitious person with relevant experience in the renewable energy sector to support sales and business development.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Marketing, or technical background (engineering) with sales experience.

• Minimum 2 years Sales/Business development Experience in Renewable Energy

• Understanding of energy stakeholders (Eskom, IPP, Energy Intensive User Group, Customers)

• Understanding of licensing, registration, connection and PPAs

• Understanding of key sales points (pricing, decision makers, lead times, benefits, BEE requirements)

• Successfully implemented a client acquisition strategy

• Eager to be part of a professional energy sales team

• Open to travel and one-on-one client negotiations

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Energetic, Self-starter and problem solver;

  • Motivated to succeed, comfortable being challenged and growing as an individual
  • Lateral thinker, continuously improving the business model

• Collaborative team player;

• Strong MS Office skillset (Excel, PowerPoint and Word) a must

What we offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisation, to be part of a diverse workplace with regards to gender, age and cultural background in the most exciting industry in the world today. You will receive a very competitive total benefits package including an excellent base salary, bonus scheme and share options. 

Career development 

• Excellent training (an average 54 hours a year)
• Secondment and relocation opportunities
• Career progression (16% promotions across the Group in 2021)
• Self-paced online learning portal for micro courses across a range of functional and inter personal skills

Shared financial success  

• A competitive, industry benchmarked and cost-of-living linked salary, reviewed annually
• Annual bonus
• Share options
• Salary contribution to your pension fund

Work/life balance 

• WFH in a hybrid working arrangement
• Generous annual leave, plus a community or charity work day each year
• Paid maternity, parental, adoptive and bereavement leave
• Parental transitional coaching
• Allowance for WFH set up

True diversity & inclusion 

• Equal opportunity targets
• GWEC Women in Wind and Mainstream Women in Renewables programmes
• You can be you, whatever your gender, colour or sexual orientation

Care for health & wellbeing  

• Generous health insurance subsidy
• Income protection insurance
• Life cover
• Free Employee Assistance Program