Commercial Associate

Job Description

The Sales Associate will play a critical role within the Commercial team at Mainstream Renewable Power South Africa. This position is focused on driving sales and negotiations to develop new business opportunities and revenue streams for Mainstream’s utility-scale PV, wind, and battery energy storage projects, primarily targeting commercial, industrial, and energy-intensive clients.

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 & Support Functions.

What you will do

Sales and Business Development

• Proactively identify, target, and engage potential commercial and industrial (C&I) customers with significant energy demand who can benefit from renewable energy supplied via wheeling.
• Build and maintain a robust database of prospects through cold calling, networking, industry events, referrals, and digital channels.
• Qualify leads effectively to ensure alignment with technical feasibility, commercial viability, and wheeling framework requirements.
• Develop and execute a structured sales plan to build a robust pipeline of qualified prospects and convert them into contracted customers.
• Conduct high-impact presentations and pitch meetings with senior decision-makers to communicate the value proposition of renewable energy solutions.
• Support the full sales cycle: from prospecting and qualification to proposal development, PPA negotiation, and PPA close.
• Collaborate with internal technical, legal, and regulatory teams to design tailored commercial offers that meet customer needs while ensuring compliance with wheeling arrangements.
• Manage sales pipelines and lead database to support ongoing sales prospecting.

Market & Client Intelligence

• Analyse market trends, competitor activities, and policy changes in South Africa’s electricity sector, with emphasis on wheeling frameworks and PPA structures.
• Maintain a deep understanding of customer industries, operational constraints, and sustainability goals to shape value-driven solutions.
• Build and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships with customers
• Represent the company at industry events, networking opportunities, and conferences to generate leads and strengthen brand presence in the C&I market

Pipeline & Performance Tracking

• Use CRM tools to maintain accurate and timely records of leads, opportunities, proposals, and closed deals.
• Report regularly on sales performance against targets, pipeline status, and market developments.

This is a sales focused role – the individual must have a hunter mindset with a strong ability to identify and cultivate new relationships with the objective of converting sales to meet set targets.

What we require

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Law, Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in sales or business development, with a preference for experience in the renewable energy sector.
• Experience in contract negotiation and drafting, particularly in the energy or utility sectors.
• Energetic, self-motivated, and results-oriented, with a strong problem-solving approach.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information effectively.
• Motivated to achieve success, comfortable with challenges, and committed to personal and professional growth.
• Willingness to travel and engage in one-on-one client negotiations as needed.
• A collaborative team player, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams

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 and bonus scheme.