Head of Business Development
Job Description: Head of Business Development - BESS (IPP Company)
Position Title: Head of Business Development
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Industry: Independent Power Producer (IPP), Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Renewable Energy
Function: Strategy, Origination, Commercial, Market Expansion
Role Summary
The Head of Business Development will lead the strategic growth of the company's BESS platform, driving market entry, project origination, strategic partnerships, and portfolio expansion across target markets. This role requires a visionary leader with deep commercial and technical understanding of energy storage, power markets, and the renewable energy value chain.
The ideal candidate brings strong industry networks, a proven track record in closing complex energy or infrastructure deals, and an ability to drive multi‑market expansion for an IPP or energy storage developer.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Market Expansion
- Define and execute the company's BESS growth strategy across Japan.
- Conduct market assessments (policy, regulation, grid needs, revenue models) to identify new business opportunities.
- Establish go‑to‑market plans, including partnership models and localization strategies.
- Monitor evolving regulations, market reforms, and grid modernization trends impacting BESS.
2. Project Origination & Development
- Lead origination of utility‑scale and distributed BESS opportunities (standalone, hybrid, co‑located).
- Evaluate project feasibility, revenue streams (capacity, ancillary services, arbitrage), and commercial structures.
- Oversee land acquisition, interconnection strategy, site selection, and key development milestones.
- Build early‑stage project pipeline and drive projects from concept to investment approval.
3. Team Leadership & Organizational Growth
- Build and lead a high‑performing business development and commercial team.
- Mentor junior BD staff and oversee hiring as the platform grows.
- Establish best‑practice BD processes, tools, and reporting frameworks.
4. Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with engineering, finance, EPC, asset management, and legal teams to advance opportunities.
- Provide commercial inputs into product selection, technology strategy, and storage procurement.
- Work closely with the executive team on long‑term strategy, investment prioritization, and capital allocation.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- 10-20 years of experience in renewable energy, IPP, power markets, project development, solar or energy storage.
- Proven track record originating and closing large‑scale energy or infrastructure deals.
- Demonstrated leadership experience with ability to build teams and scale organizations.
- Strong commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Experience working across multiple markets and regulatory environments.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.
