Chief Commercial Officer | Renewable Energy | South Africa

Terra Firma is a leading and innovative force in the renewable energy sector, passionately committed to providing technology-driven clean energy solutions to Commercial & Industrial (C&I) customers in Southern Africa. Since its establishment in 2012, the company has embraced a holistic, end-to-end approach to serving its customers’ diverse energy needs, driven by the belief that “better lives need better energy.”

The business’ vision is to maintain their position as the dominating force in C&I solar development, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and renewable energy asset ownership in the region. Terra Firma distinguishes itself through its comprehensive service offerings, strong in-house engineering capabilities and financial backing. Its culture is young and dynamic, with a team that values accountability, collaboration, and solution-oriented approaches.

About the role

As part of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) will be responsible for leading Terra Firma’s overall commercial strategy, with a strong emphasis on strategic projects and commercial innovation. They will drive the successful execution of strategic and operational objectives through robust commercial and business development, generating and managing both EPC and PPA (BOO) sales opportunities, ensuring they meet specific investment and risk criteria.

The CCO will also bridge the gap between technical and commercial functions to ensure seamless alignment of business development and technical teams with sales objectives and strategic growth plans. They will have regular engagement with the Board and will represent Terra Firma externally with clients, financing partners, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, they will lead, guide and foster a collaborative and engaging environment within the commercial and business development teams.

Key dimensions of the role

• Lead Terra Firma’s overall commercial strategy, with a strong focus on strategic projects, innovation, and BESS. Drive revenue growth by managing and growing the company’s pipeline from origination to Financial Close, ensuring robust deal flow.
• Develop and execute comprehensive sales and marketing strategies, including go-to-market plans for new offerings and industries. Build and manage the company’s sales funnel and pipeline to consistently meet sales targets.
• Co-develop and lead the execution of regional sales/marketing strategies, fostering partnerships and external relationships.
• Manage key resources including Head of BD, Account Managers, BD Engineers, and internal legal/finance teams, working with them to integrate and achieve KPIs.
• Lead and manage external financial partner relationships (debt and equity), collaborating with the CFO to ensure project bankability, review project performance and achieve margins.
• Forecast, report, and manage business development activities and processes across the region.
• Direct project activities to achieve operational, financial, and strategic objectives. Develop and maintain integrated financial models and review project performance to achieve margin, operational excellence and quality goals.
• Proactively anticipate and react to major market conditions and changes, providing key input to the CEO. Actively contribute strategic leadership and commercial insight at Board meetings.
• Inspire, motivate and develop employees to ensure they achieve KPIs and fulfil their personal aspirations and potential. Create a transparent, positive, and collaborative working environment aligned to company values.

Skills and experience

The CCO will be of demonstrably high calibre with the ability to integrate effectively with a young and dynamic team. They will bring strong commercial knowledge and a detailed understanding of the South African renewable energy sector, its technologies, regulatory environment, and emergent themes. They will be able to drive sales growth through innovative and compelling business development strategies and through inspirational leadership of the Business Development function. Candidates will bring the gravitas to engage effectively with senior level customers and with the Terra Firma Board.

Specific skills, experience, and qualifications will include:

• A minimum of 5-8 years of experience within the renewable energy market in sub-Saharan Africa and 10-12 years of senior management experience in a relevant field.
• Proven renewable energy technologies knowledge and specifically exposure to BESS and energy storage commercialisation, large-scale solar PV project development, and project financing.
• Demonstrable track record in sales and business development, ideally within the large-scale C&I sector. Relevant sales experience and/or relationships within energy intensive users such as those in the mining, steel or the data centre sectors would be of particular interest.
• Excellent commercial acumen, creative and innovative dealmaking skills and sound financial and commercial understanding, including experience in raising debt for renewable energy projects.
• Proven leadership and team management experience, with a collaborative, engaging and motivational style. A natural networker who inspires confidence.
• Strategic thinker and analytical problem solver with a solutions mindset.
• Demonstrable senior-level credibility and confidence with the ability to engage and influence executive level customers and the Terra Firma Board. Compelling oral and written communicator with an eye for detail.
• A relevant first degree, and ideally, an MBA or other relevant post-graduate qualification. Candidates will be highly numerate, comfortable working with financial models and structuring complex financial deals.

The opportunity

The CCO role provides the opportunity to join the leadership team of a successful, established and well backed developer of behind the meter energy solutions operating in a dynamic and growing South African market. It represents the chance to shape the future of a business which, through its shareholders and partners, has excellent access to capital and flexible financing options. In the medium term, the CCO will also benefit financially through longer-term equity growth.

In the shorter term, there is the opportunity to lead an established and highly capable commercial function within a business with an impressive base of blue-chip customers and a proven track record of delivery using in-house engineering and construction resources. The CCO will play a vital role in driving the commercial innovation that will further build on Terra Firma’s already established position as a leading C&I business. Their contribution will position the business for accelerated sustainable growth and future success.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are committed to supporting our clients in building diverse and inclusive teams. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you could be exactly what our client is looking for, either for this position or another.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the process. We sincerely appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply.

Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.