Senior Associate - Energy Marketing & PPA's

Job Description

The Senior Associate will play a central role within Mainstream South Africa's Trading and Aggregator platform, driving the origination of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and structured energy sales. This position is focused on creating and negotiating innovative energy products, unlocking new commercial opportunities, and building sustainable revenue streams in South Africa's evolving power market.

What you will do

In this role, you will be responsible for originating, structuring, and negotiating energy sales transactions that expand the company's presence in regional energy markets. You will build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, while delivering innovative and bankable renewable power solutions that support South Africa's energy transition and private market liberalisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, structuring, negotiation, contracting, and management of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to secure renewable energy offtake.
• Drive bilateral renewable energy offtake agreements and wheeling solutions for corporate and industrial clients.
• Conduct market reviews, monitor regulatory developments, and analyse the competitive landscape for utility‑scale renewable energy projects.
• Identify and engage potential customers and establish strategic partnerships to grow the business.
• Lead negotiations with private offtakers, traders, aggregators, and co‑sponsors.
• Manage and support bidding processes in response to RFQs, RFIs, and RFPs from private offtakers.
• Prepare and present proposals to the Investment Committee and Board to secure internal approvals for contracting.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (development, energy analysis, procurement, engineering, grid, financial modelling) to design competitive business solutions.
• Provide market intelligence and analysis on energy‑related activities in South Africa and across Africa.

What we require

Experience: 5 - 7 year's work experience (sales, tendering, project management, or advisory).

Education: Minimum 3‑year degree, with strong understanding of commercial drivers in renewable energy preferable.

Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Excellent MS Office proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Organised, reliable, and able to deliver quality outputs.
• Strong relationship‑building and communication skills.

Attributes

• Self‑starter, problem solver, motivated to succeed and grow.
• Collaborative team player with ability to take ownership and drive tasks.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment.

Other Requirements

• South African citizen.
• Fluent in English.
• Advantageous: Understanding of large‑scale renewable energy project development.

What we offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in an innovative 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.

Career development

• Individual training budget
• Career progression
• Leadership development

Shared financial success

• A competitive, industry benchmarked and cost-of-living linked salary, reviewed annually
• Performance bonus
• Salary contribution to your pension fund and private medical cover

Work/life balance

• Hybrid, flexible working arrangement
• Generous annual leave, plus a community or charity workday each year
• Paid maternity, parental, adoptive and bereavement leave
• Parental transitional coaching

True diversity & inclusion

• Equal opportunity targets
• You can be you, whatever your gender, colour or sexual orientation

Care for health & wellbeing

• Life cover
• Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your family