Head of Business Development (m/w/d)

HDF Energy is a leading global player in the hydrogen industry, dedicated to developing large-scale hydrogen projects and advanced multi-megawatt fuel cell technology in our factory near Bordeaux.

Backed by a team of over 150 hydrogen experts boasting more than a decade of operational experience across the value chain, HDF Energy is currently developing a portfolio of projects valued at over €5 billion. Since 2021, the Group has been listed on the Euronext Paris stock market.

Headquartered in France, HDF Energy has regional offices across the world including an office in South Africa.

The position is based in South Africa.

In partnership with the EMEA Vice President your tasks will include:

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (South Africa and Namibia)

• Empowered to represent HDF Energy to high level public authorities.
• Build and maintain relationships within the broader renewable energy and hydrogen ecosystem, identifying growth opportunities through partnerships and other cooperative alliances.
• Lead the execution of the market strategy for HDF Energy solutions: concept, business model, commercialization strategy, and growth plans.

MANAGEMENT

• Lead the team of Business Developers and Project Managers ( 5 - 10 direct report)
• Supervise project management across the region.
• Ensure accurate reporting of regional activities.

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

• Lead responses to tenders and project acquisitions in the region.
• Identify and pursue partnership and project acquisition opportunities at various stages of development through in-depth analysis (technical, legal, financial, risk assessment, etc.).
• Manage and coordinate necessary project development studies in collaboration with internal teams (engineering, technical departments) and external consultants (local lawyers, advisors).
• Negotiate project-related documents with the Project and Investment Departments, including PPAs, construction contracts, and operational agreements.
• Contribute to structuring financing proposals.
• Monitor regulatory and market developments in the region.
• Analyze the regional context: assess the energy mix, the relevance of HDF Energy's value proposition for the region, and key stakeholders.

Minimum Requirement

• Strong experience in power plant project development in Africa
• Good knowledge of South Africa regulatory frameworks and energy sector (power and/or hydrogen)
• Good knowledge of project finance
• Strong Communication and presentation skills
• Fluent English
• Valid driver’s license
• Willingness to travel
• Proactive individual that initiates tasks with autonomy

Benefits

• Salary range : between 80 and 100K euros gross
• Growth and development opportunity within HDF and the fast-growing hydrogen industry