The Senior Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Leader Energy's growth and expansion in the Philippines renewable energy market. This position is responsible for identifying, originating, and developing utility-scale and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) renewable energy opportunities from project inception through commercial close. The successful candidate will establish and nurture strategic relationships with government agencies, utilities, investors, corporate clients, landowners, and key stakeholders while supporting the development of a sustainable project pipeline. The role also involves evaluating project opportunities, preparing commercial proposals, leading negotiations, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to successfully bring projects to execution.
Job Responsibilities:
Business Development & Market Expansion
- Identify, originate, and secure renewable energy opportunities across the Philippines, with a focus on utility-scale and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and other renewable energy technologies.
- Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of greenfield and brownfield renewable energy projects from origination through commercial close.
- Build and strengthen relationships with government agencies, distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, independent power producers (IPPs), corporate customers, investors, developers, landowners, and strategic partners.
- Monitor developments in the Philippines renewable energy sector, including DOE policies, ERC regulations, NGCP requirements, Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP), Green Energy Option Program (GEOP), Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), and other relevant market initiatives.
- Lead project screening and feasibility assessments, including site evaluation, transmission and grid connection considerations, commercial viability, financial analysis, and project risk assessments.
- Identify and establish partnerships with EPC contractors, consultants, financiers, technology providers, and strategic partners to support project execution.
- Lead commercial negotiations for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Energy Supply Agreements (ESAs), land lease agreements, joint development arrangements, and strategic partnerships.
- Manage participation in renewable energy tenders, competitive bidding exercises, and corporate renewable energy procurement opportunities.
- Work closely with engineering, legal, finance, ESG, project development, and project execution teams to ensure projects progress efficiently through the development lifecycle.
- Represent Leader Energy at industry conferences, government engagements, business forums, and renewable energy networking events.
Market Intelligence & Internal Collaboration
- Provide market intelligence and commercial insights to support business strategy, marketing initiatives, and regional growth plans.
- Monitor competitor activities, renewable energy market trends, emerging technologies and evolving customer requirements.
- Support the preparation of investment papers, business cases, project presentations, and commercial proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
- Mentor and guide junior business development team members on project origination, commercial negotiations, and renewable energy market practices.
- Ensure effective handover of awarded projects to project development and execution teams while maintaining strong customer relationships throughout project delivery.
- Support ESG initiatives by tracking project sustainability impacts, carbon reduction metrics, and environmental value creation where applicable.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Renewable Energy/Electrical), Business, Economics, or related field. MBA or postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
- Professional certifications such as PMP, Project Finance, Renewable Energy, or Solar PV qualifications are advantageous.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in business development, project origination, commercial management, or renewable energy development within the Philippines energy sector.
- Demonstrated experience in developing utility-scale renewable energy projects and/or Commercial & Industrial (C&I) renewable energy solutions.
- Proven track record in one or more of the following:
- Originating and securing renewable energy development opportunities
- Negotiating PPAs, ESAs, land lease agreements, and commercial contracts
- Participating in renewable energy auctions or competitive procurement exercises
- Structuring commercial partnerships, joint ventures, or project investments
- Supporting project financing involving debt, equity, or strategic investors
- Strong understanding of the Philippines renewable energy regulatory framework, including DOE regulations, ERC guidelines, NGCP grid connection processes, Renewable Energy Act, GEAP, GEOP, RPS, and related market mechanisms.
- Good understanding of renewable energy project development, permitting processes, transmission and grid interconnection requirements, EPC contracting, and project commercialisation.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen with the ability to evaluate project economics, including IRR, LCOE, NPV, and project returns.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify market opportunities and translate them into commercially viable projects.
- Willingness to travel extensively across the Philippines.
