About the position
Our client in the solar industry is urgently seeking to employ an experienced and driven Product Manager – Solar Finance Strategy to lead the development and management of their solar finance product portfolio. This strategic role will focus on designing tailored financial solutions, building key commercial partnerships, and driving market adoption across the agricultural and commercial sectors.
Our client in the solar industry is urgently seeking to employ an experienced and driven Product Manager – Solar Finance Strategy to lead the development and management of their solar finance product portfolio. This strategic role will focus on designing tailored financial solutions, building key commercial partnerships, and driving market adoption across the agricultural and commercial sectors.
Location: Northriding, Johannesburg
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Agriculture, Renewable Energy or equivalent practical experience.
- 3+ years’ experience in product development, sales, or business development in finance, renewable energy, agri-tech or commercial energy sectors.
- Must have own vehicle and a valid driver's license.
- Demonstrated success in both product strategy and direct B2B sales to commercial clients or rural/agricultural end-users.
- Knowledge of renewable energy finance trends and how they apply across different customer segments.
- Must have a background in solar, selling products and negotiating with the banks.
- Prior experience working with or selling into both SMEs and larger commercial operations.
- Familiarity with agriculture and irrigation systems, especially in Southern African markets.
- Existing relationships with organisations like Grain SA, Southern Africa Agri Initiative (SAAI), or commercial solar integrators.
Responsibilities:
Product Strategy & Development
- Design and launch innovative solar finance products (e.g., leases, PPAs, loans) for agricultural and commercial clients.
- Create and maintain financial models to evaluate pricing, viability, and customer affordability.
- Define and execute a roadmap for the finance product portfolio aligned with market trends and customer needs.
Financial Structuring & Partnerships
- Collaborate with banks and financial institutions to structure scalable and compliant funding solutions.
- Negotiate financial terms and assess risk profiles to support long-term product sustainability.
- Work closely with internal finance and compliance teams to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.
Sales & Business Development
- Identify and develop sales opportunities among high-energy-use businesses and farming operations.
- Sell directly to installers, EPCs, end users, and channel partners.
- Build strategic alliances with complementary suppliers and agricultural organizations to create bundled offerings and generate qualified leads.
Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
- Foster collaboration across departments to optimize product delivery and customer experience.
- Represent the Solar Finance team in cross-functional projects and strategy sessions.
Go-to-Market Execution
- Lead product launches, develop marketing materials, and provide training for partners and customers.
- Customize customer experiences based on segment needs—from seasonal farming income to long-term commercial strategies.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, industry regulations, and credit risk guidelines.
- Support the development of policies and processes required for credit brokering in Southern Africa, with future expansion potential into the SADC region.
Health & Safety
- Promote a safe and organized working environment to enhance operational efficiency.
Desired Skills:
- Solar Finance
- Agricultural Solar Financing
- Commercial Solar Sales
