Sales & Operations manager Green Mini Grids

Job description

Tamarso Green Mini Grids is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions in Somalia. We are dedicated to bridging the energy gap through sustainable solar minigrid solutions. To expand our reach and ensure operational excellence, we are seeking a highly motivated, entrepreneurial, and technically proficient Sales and Operations Manager.

Role Overview

This is a dual-function role requiring a unique blend of technical engineering expertise and commercial sales drive. The successful candidate will act as the bridge between our technical capabilities and market opportunities.

The Manager will be responsible for driving revenue through new minigrid subscriptions and connections while ensuring the technical integrity of the proposal and providing high-level support to our field teams. This role demands a “road warrior” mentality, high emotional intelligence regarding Somali social dynamics, and the ability to work under significant pressure.

Key Responsibilities

A. Commercial & Business Development (Pre-Sales)

• Pipeline Management: Identify, qualify, and pursue new opportunities for minigrid connections and commercial solar projects.
• Relationship Building: Navigate Somali social and clan dynamics to build trust with local community leaders, business owners, and government representatives to secure buy-in for projects.
• Proposal Management: Manage the entire proposal lifecycle. Diligently document all interactions in the company CRM/database. Ensure proposals are technically accurate and commercially viable.
• Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations with potential off-takers, ensuring profitability while maintaining competitive pricing.
• Market Intelligence: Monitor competitor activity and pricing within the Somali energy market.

B. Technical Analysis & Operations

• Technical Pre-Sales: Conduct technical needs assessments for potential clients. Translate customer energy requirements into technical specifications (load analysis, system sizing).
• Minigrid Expertise: Demonstrate and apply deep knowledge of the entire minigrid value chain:
• Generation: PV array sizing, inverter capacity, battery storage health.
• Distribution: Grid layout, voltage drop calculations, cabling standards.
• Metering: Smart meter integration, vending systems, and loss prevention.
• Site Assessments: Travel to remote and semi-urban locations to conduct physical site surveys and feasibility studies.

C. Technical Support & Internal Coordination

• Field Support: Provide real-time, online, and phone-based technical support to Field Staff during installations or troubleshooting missions.
• Customer Service Desk (CSD) Support: Act as Tier 2/3 support for the CSD, resolving complex technical queries that frontline agents cannot handle.
• Tamarso Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Tamarso Green Mini Grids Team to ensure that what is sold can be delivered and maintained.
• Reporting: Generate weekly reports on sales pipelines, site visits, and technical challenges encountered in the field.

Key Deliverables & KPIs

• Sales Targets: Meet monthly and quarterly revenue/connection targets (Commission Trigger).
• Proposal Accuracy: 100% accuracy in technical scoping of accepted proposals.
• Documentation: Complete logging of all client interactions and site visits in the company system within 24 hours.
• Support Resolution: Maintain a high resolution rate for technical escalations from the field team and CSD.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related technical field. A background in Business Administration is a plus, provided technical skills are strong.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years in the solar sector, specifically with Minigrids.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in solar PV design, distribution network planning, and smart metering technologies.

Essential Competencies

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-starter who views this role as running their own business within the business.
• Somali Context: Deep understanding of Somali culture, social dynamics, and the ability to navigate complex local governance structures.
• Resilience: Proven ability to work under high pressure (security, environmental, and timeline pressures) in challenging environments.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Somali and English.
• Digital Literacy: Must have continuous access to high-quality internet and be proficient in CRM software, Microsoft Office, and remote monitoring tools.

Working Conditions & Travel

• Travel: This role requires frequent travel (up to 60-70% of the time) across various regions of Somalia. The candidate must be comfortable utilising various modes of local transport and staying in field locations.
• Connectivity: The candidate is expected to maintain communication channels (WhatsApp, Email, Phone) at all times during business hours, regardless of location.
• Compensation: The remuneration package consists of a base salary plus a significant commission component based on successful sales and project closings.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter detailing their technical solar experience and their commercial track record to willem@tamarso.com by 15 January 2026.

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