Head of New Markets

Smart4Energy is seeking a Head of New Markets in Cape Town, South Africa, to lead strategic expansion in the renewable energy sector. This executive role involves developing market strategies, financial modeling, and customer engagement, while ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should have a relevant degree and extensive experience in renewable energy. Responsibilities include market analysis, contract structuring, and representing the company at industry events.
🌍 Head of New Markets – Renewable Energy Sector

📍 Cape Town, South Africa | 🕒 Full-Time | 💼 Executive Level

Are you passionate about unlocking new opportunities in the rapidly evolving energy landscape? An exciting opportunity awaits a dynamic and strategic professional to join a leading player in the renewable energy sector as Head of New Markets.

In this pivotal role, you will report directly to the Head of Business Development and lead the strategic expansion into unbundled markets—ensuring the sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation of the company’s product offering. Your mission will support the development and placement of 500–1000MWs of renewable energy annually.

🌟 Key Responsibilities

Market Strategy & Product Development
• Develop a strategic roadmap for entry into an unbundled market.
• Build and evolve a multi-technology product offering (Wind, BESS, Solar) to maximize customer value.
• Design flexible, multi-buyer, multi-tenor solutions from single or multiple facilities.
• Create and validate a robust private storage business case.
• Guide external advisors to shape a 5–10 year asset deployment strategy.
• Continually assess market regulations and ensure the business remains a market leader.
• Identify pricing, technology, and policy opportunities to strengthen the company’s competitive edge.
• Support Business Development and REIPPPP teams with execution of key tenders.
• Build a business case for a future aggregator offering.

Contract Structuring & Financial Modelling
• Design contract structures that accommodate various tenors and customer profiles.
• Liaise with legal, project finance, and technical teams to ensure risk is balanced and bankable.
• Support the creation of tailored financial models and supply agreements.

Tool Development & Customer Engagement
• Lead the development of optimization tools across technology combinations.
• Develop bespoke customer solutions focused on cost savings and renewable penetration.
• Simplify the PPA offering through scenario analysis and risk quantification.
• Maintain and enhance the merchant PPA model and time-of-use strategies.

Policy, Legislation & Industry Representation
• Interpret the market code and develop entry strategies aligned with policy developments.
• Track and report on the Electricity Regulation Act and related policies.
• Represent the business in regulatory forums, workshops, and industry events.
• Drive innovation in Green value creation, including RECs, Carbon Tax, and CBAM.
• Lead wheeling partnership models and token-based mechanisms.

Leadership & Strategy Execution
• Represent the company at high-level industry events.
• Drive external strategy discussions and engage with advisors.
• Present strategic insights and new product offerings to senior leadership.
• Support internal bidding and sales teams in key proposal submissions.
• Develop annual budgets and performance targets.

🎓 Required Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Extensive experience in the renewable energy sector with exposure to market reforms, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• High proficiency in Excel and data modelling tools.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Self-starter with a high level of energy and motivation.
• Strong ethics, integrity, and accountability.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• A collaborative team player who can lead cross-functional initiatives.

💡 Desirable Attributes

We're looking for someone with a passion for the Renewable Energy transition, who brings:
• Strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
• Agility and resilience in a fast-paced, international environment.
• Determination to create real impact in a growing and transformative sector.

💰 What’s on Offer
• A highly competitive total remuneration package.
• A collaborative, innovative work culture where your ideas and expertise will shape the future of energy in South Africa.
• A hybrid of Cape Town office-based work and occasional travel as required by projects.

📩 Apply now to be part of a mission-driven organisation that's helping shape a sustainable energy future.

For more information or to express interest confidentially, please get in touch.