Biomass Procurement Manager at Leap29

• My client possesses extensive expertise in renewable energy power engineering, construction and investment, particularly within developing markets. They operate as a developer, investor, and provider of renewable power assets in these regions.
• This role is to be based preferably in Nairobi (South Africa be considered), with frequent travel across the region.

Responsibilities
General

• Manage biomass supply, processing, testing, costing, and logistics for development projects.
• Conduct detailed market assessments of available biomass feedstocks, considering factors such as source distance, sustainability, calorific value, moisture content, and particle size. Establish and implement biomass sourcing strategies based on these assessments.
• Identify and conduct due diligence on potential biomass partners and suppliers for projects.
• Draft, negotiate, and execute supply/partnership agreements with selected partners and suppliers.
• Develop market-specific strategies and processes for the procurement, storage, processing, transportation, and supply of biomass for projects.
• Perform cost-benefit analyses of transportation versus biomass processing/densification.
• Develop strategies for ash disposal and create ash off-take agreements or CSR activities.
• Identify opportunities to continuously improve the sourcing strategy to optimize cost and sustainability objectives.
• Collaborate with the E&S team to undertake sustainability assessments of the biomass procurement strategy to meet board requirements.
• Monitor biomass supply costs, sustainability, and quality.
• Track and report monthly volumes and costs for internal review.
• Prepare presentations for management and board as needed.
• Over time, manage a team of in-country biomass procurement specialists and/or data researchers/analysts.

Reporting

• Fulfil internal reporting and management requirements using appropriate in-house systems.
• Provide regular briefings and updates as needed.

Key Skills

• University Degree in Engineering or Finance
• MBA is advantageous
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong people management skills and a team player, with the ability to work independently
• Willingness to travel and visit potential biomass suppliers
• Passion for the decarbonisation industry in Africa and contributing to project delivery