Microsoft Office
Irina Simonova
STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Cape Town
Summary
Strategic business development professional in renewable energy sector with strong track record in driving growth and forging key partnerships. Adept at identifying market opportunities, leveraging analytical skills, and implementing strategic initiatives. Known for collaborative approach, adaptability, and delivering measurable results. Skilled in market analysis, negotiation, and project management with focus on team synergy.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Strategic Business Development Manager
Noble Protea Ventures
01.2025 - Current
- Improved operational efficiency within the organization via process improvements which led to reduced overhead costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Delivered recommendations to long-term accounts to promote brand awareness to key audience.
Business Development Manager
Unigreen Energy SA
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Conducted an in-depth analysis of the African solar energy markets, including an assessment of electricity demand, grid availability and growth potential. Identified key Sab-Saharan markets for business expansion, took into account political, economic and social factors that may affect the implementation of the strategy. Developed comprehensive territory plans to prioritize resources effectively for optimal ROI.
- Established and maintained relationship with local partners, governmental bodies and international organisations in more than 10 African countries to ensure business growth as well as successful implementation of utility scale Solar projects.
- Enhanced brand visibility through participation in industry events.
- Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of company technology.
- Achieved established KPI for company, regional team and individual performance through teamwork and focus on customers.
- Provided regular performance reports to senior management, offering insights into areas of success as well as potential improvement opportunities.
Business Development Manager
RCSA Energy
10.2018 - 04.2022
- Searched for opportunities, tenders, new equity, technology, or business partners on behalf of the Company
- Assessed local market conditions and identified current and prospective commercial opportunities
- Developed forecasts, financial objectives and business plans
- Provided reports on market movement and penetration
- Initiated and managed development of technological or financial partnerships with local stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Located areas of improvement and proposed corrective actions that meet challenges and leverage growth opportunities
- Networked to improve presence and reputation of the company in the region
- Participated in the writing and managing the tender applications and other similar activities
- Participated in regional strategic business development
- Remained committed to learning and growing inside the industry
Market Research Analyst
RCSA Energy
03.2015 - 09.2018
- Searched for information and analyzed market of energy products and services, analytically supported company's new businesses in the region
- Coordinated preparatory studies and compiled analytical reports as per management request
- Participated in assessment of opportunities for various development projects and their economic and technical feasibility; participated in company's development strategy elaboration
- Prepared administrative documents, budgets, agreements, and procurement documents
- Always handled sensitive information in a confidential and respectful manner
Education
Master of Science - Engineer – System Analyst
State Technical University of Civil Aviation
Moscow, Russia 09.1989 - 06.1995
Skills
Strategic planning and partnerships
Brand positioning
Proposal writing
Industry networking
New market entry
Cross-functional team leadership
Business development and planning
Team leadership
Negotiations
Market research
Business intelligence and analysis
Software
Timeline
Strategic Business Development Manager
Noble Protea Ventures
01.2025 - Current
Business Development Manager
Unigreen Energy SA
05.2022 - 12.2024
Business Development Manager
RCSA Energy
10.2018 - 04.2022
Market Research Analyst
RCSA Energy
03.2015 - 09.2018
Master of Science - Engineer – System Analyst
State Technical University of Civil Aviation
09.1989 - 06.1995
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