Job Description

CPUT is recruiting Business Development Manager for the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre to be responsible for business growth of SARETEC in particular developing and implementing strategic plans; conducting and analysing market trends; connecting with other businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships while building and maintaining relationships with clients crucial in forging strategic alliances.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A four-year tertiary degree (NQF 8) or Bachelor Honours (NQF8) in Science or Engineering.
• At least 5 (five) years of management experience in the renewable energy industry or renewable energy R&D and/or education/training environment.
• Of the 5 years management experience, at least 3 years must include business development management inclusive of sales and marketing corporate environment
• Communication (verbal and writing) and Interpersonal skills (building relationships and presenting proposals. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively present ideas, influence decision-makers, and negotiate agreements.
• Exposure to Renewable Energy industry and training organisations.

Recommendations:

• The Science or Engineering degree coupled with a Business Administration or Business Management or Entrepreneurship, Communications and Marketing or Business Strategy qualification will be an added advantage.
• Established contacts within the energy and education sectors inclusive of governmental and non-governmental organisations, State Owned Entities, IPPs, OEMs and Developmental Agencies, etc.
• Full understanding of the energy eco system and/or value chain.
• Experience with Institutions of Higher Learning or the QCTO Education sector preferably post school level.
• Project Management within the Teaching and Learning environment or training.

Key Performance Areas / Principal Accountabilities
Reporting to the Director: SARETEC, the incumbent would, amongst others, be responsible for:

• Identify and developing new business - Conducting research on potential clients, assess clients' needs and tailor the solutions (customisation where necessary) as well as developing proposals to potential funders to secure SARETEC future opportunities.
• Build and maintain Relationships - Cultivate strong relationships with existing clients, stakeholders and partners within the renewable energy value chain and nurture continuity while identifying further business opportunities nationally and internationally. Conducting customer/client satisfaction analysis (i.e., interviews, feedback assessment on SARETEC training products and services (events management), conducting surveys to maintain relevance and continuous improvement and excellence.
• Sales and Marketing in keeping up with industry developments - Monitor market positioning of competitors and create platforms to market SARETEC Facility for Corporate Events and Training Opportunities nationally (i.e., outside SARETEC's current location (Bellville) with the partnerships with TVET Colleges and other business partners; run effective campaigns and conduct presentations in stakeholders engagement platforms (conferences, workshops, board meetings for potential sponsors, etc). Lead the SARETEC Team on Conference hosting and external participation (exhibitions, side events preparation, etc). Pitch SARETEC as a Hub of Excellence. Be responsible for SARETEC monthly and or Quarterly newsletters to be released on different platforms.
• Strategic Alliances - Seek out partnerships with other businesses / corporates and training partners (Post School and Higher Education Institutions (i.e., TVET Colleges and Universities), SETAs, Public and Private Training Institutions and Centres of Excellence. Actively participate in Renewable Energy Associations platforms among others.
• Planning and coordination of stakeholder engagement workshops, webinars, seminars, career days, etc.
• Corporate branding and communications - Manage the brand SARETEC within the day-to-day operations with respect Events and Marketing Unit (Human Capital, Infrastructure Modernisation, stakeholder engagement, and Corporate Communications of SARETEC including website management, coordinate marketing and social media marketing, participation in other public platforms. Look and or coordinate speaking engagements, i.e., radio interviews, TV, prepare educational programmes for SARETEC's offering for schools and university students, conference tours; coordinate the development of videos and other promotional material for marketing purposes, etc).
• Special Projects - Support the SARETEC Team in facilitating stakeholder engagements related to special projects. For example, community engagements with multi-stakeholders and multidisciplinary project teams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent delivery of accurate and compelling implementation.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship - Coordinate mentoring and coaching opportunities internally and external for SARETEC Staff. Mentor and lead junior members of the business development team, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance within the team. Build trust and credibility by demonstrating a deep commitment to delivering value and sustainable energy solutions.
• Strategic support to the Director - Reporting to SARETEC ManCom, SARETEC Governance Board, Senate and other structures or University sub-committees as and when necessary). Manage risk register and implementation of controls and remedial / corrective measures in relation to SARETEC's business development management.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Excellent Communication
• Networking Ability
• Proficiency with AI-powered tools for:
• Customer relationship management
• Informed data-driven decisions

• Creative thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Decision-making and goal orientated competencies.
• The ability initiate ideas to trigger new innovative solutions that will bring business.
• The ability to lead and manage teams while also able to work independently under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and people management skills.
• Strong communication skills (i.e., verbal / oral and written) to effectively present ideas including the ability to influence decision-makers and negotiate agreements. Furthermore, the BDM will have to build relationships and presenting proposals to various platforms skills.
• Forge teamwork, be self-motivated and self-directed with strong problem and conflict solving skills.
• The BDM will have pay attention to detail but also the ability to see the implications for the bigger picture.
• Have commercial acumen and customer service management skills.
• Have organisation, time management, prioritising, abilities to handle complex, varied workload

and risk management skills while being Quality Management orientated. * Have high level planning and organizing skills for different events and or functions for a wide
range of audience at corporate level (i.e., executive engagements, professional workshops,
conferences, client collaboration functions, career days and specialised training services at both
national and international level, etc).
General Information
Closing Date: 04 January 2026.
Enquiries: Ms Yandiswa Vuwani @vuwaniy@cput.ac.za - Human Capital Department
REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS:
The total Cost of Employment is R 1 216 138 (negotiable), inclusive of the following:

• Retirement Fund: Employer Contribution between 14.8% and 16%
• Group Life: spouse life cover; funeral plan, education benefit for school-going children, disability income cover.
• Medical Aid: Discovery Health Medical Aid subsidy (sliding scale depending on family size).
• Housing Allowance.
• Annual bonus.

"In addition to the total remuneration, CPUT offers the following benefits"

• Relocation and Resettlement.
• Generous Annual Leave provisions: 35 days (annual leave) per annum
• Tuition rebate for studies at University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), for staff members, spouse and dependent children
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): including support of family members

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW APPLICANTS TO UPLOAD CVs. IT IS
THUS IMPORTANT THAT APPLICANTS COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS COMPREHENSIVELY AS
FAILURE TO DO SO MIGHT DISADVANTAGE YOU. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR APPLICATION ON THE
SYSTEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AS THIS WILL BE THE ONLY CRITERIA USED FOR
EVALUATION OF YOUR APPLICATION BY OUR PANEL.
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology is committed to Employment Equity and aims to attract and retain talented individuals to achieve our equity objectives and therefore, people from the designated groups, including those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants whose appointment contributes towards the achievement of demographic representation. We reserve the right not to make an appointment.

Skills Required