Business Development Manager

Tractebel is a global engineering and consulting company delivering integrated, sustainable solutions across the energy, water, and infrastructure sectors. As part of the ENGIE Group, we support governments, utilities, and private clients in addressing the world’s most complex challenges—driving the energy transition, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure development.

South Africa represents a strategic growth hub within our Africa portfolio. With a strong pipeline of opportunities in power generation (renewable and conventional), transmission & distribution, hydrogen, water infrastructure, and urban development, Tractebel is positioned to play a key role in the region’s decarbonisation and economic development journey.

Are you ready to make a difference? Then we look forward to meeting you!

What we offer 

At Tractebel, you will join a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that fosters professional growth and innovation.

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
• Flexible working arrangements with regional travel exposure
• Opportunities to work on high-impact, internationally recognised projects
• Professional accreditation and continuous development support
• Access to ENGIE Group global mobility and learning programmes
• Inclusive, multicultural, and purpose-driven workplace

You will also have access to a wide range of ENGIE Group learning and mobility opportunities, supporting career development at global scale.

Your mission  

Reporting to the Strategy, Business Development, and Innovation function within BAGEN, the Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable business growth across South Africa.

You will be responsible for identifying, developing, and securing strategic opportunities, building long-term client partnerships, and positioning Tractebel as a trusted advisor in key sectors. This role requires a strong combination of commercial acumen, market insight, and stakeholder engagement, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and delivery teams across the organisation.

Who you are

Market & Competitive Intelligence

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of market dynamics across energy, water, and infrastructure sectors
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, funding mechanisms, and policy shifts impacting project pipelines
• Conduct competitive analysis to assess market positioning and differentiation opportunities
• Identify emerging investment drivers, priority projects, and strategic entry points
• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior leadership to support regional growth strategy

Account & Business Development Planning

• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key clients, including utilities, government entities, financial institutions, and developers
• Develop and implement key account plans aligned with sector priorities and growth targets
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships, consortiums, and local alliances
• Lead client engagement initiatives, including value proposition development and solution positioning
• Collaborate with technical, commercial, and regional teams to align capabilities with client needs

End‑to‑End Development of Major Opportunities

• Proactively identify, qualify, and prioritise new business opportunities across target markets
• Lead the end-to-end development of major opportunities, from early-stage positioning through to contract award
• Manage and coordinate “Cathedral” opportunities (large, strategic, and complex pursuits) in alignment with internal governance
• Define win strategies, including pricing, risk positioning, and partner selection
• Support the preparation of high-quality commercial proposals and bids, ensuring alignment with client expectations and business objectives
• Apply a risk-based approach to opportunity development and decision-making

Brand Visibility & Representation

• Strengthen Tractebel’s brand presence and thought leadership in the South African and regional market
• Represent the company at industry forums, conferences, and client events
• Contribute to the development of marketing materials, case studies, and sector insights
• Support strategic positioning efforts in priority sectors such as energy transition, water sustainability, and infrastructure resilience

We would love to hear from people with  

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Energy, Infrastructure, Business, or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on business development, project development, or commercial roles
• Proven track record of winning and delivering complex projects or consulting assignments
• Strong experience in energy, water, or infrastructure sectors
• Experience working in South Africa and/or broader African markets

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and strategic mindset with the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable plans
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across diverse cultural contexts
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder opportunities and drive them to successful outcomes
• Highly effective communication and negotiation skills (written and verbal)
• Results-oriented, proactive, and able to operate with a high degree of autonomy
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Fluency in English is required; additional languages (e.g., French or Afrikaans) are an advantage

Who we are  

People, ethics, safety, and sustainability guide everything we do. At Tractebel, you play a key role in delivering the global net‑zero ambition. Our greatest strength is our people – their expertise, their diversity, and their passion.

We are committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Find out more about Tractebel, our activities and why you should join us here! 

 
As part of the 96,000-strong ENGIE Group, your career path in pioneering low-carbon solutions around the world knows no limits. Every day is your opportunity to shape a more sustainable world.