Commercial Lead (Founding Team) | InadeAfrica

About InadeAfrica

Planet. Power. Production.

InadeAfrica is an early-stage renewable energy company solving one of the most persistent barriers to industrial growth in Nigeria: unreliable power. Nigerian manufacturers lose up to 40% of their production capacity to power outages, spending millions monthly on diesel generators that are expensive, polluting, and unpredictable. We're changing that.

We deploy smart solar-battery mini-grids (>50kW) specifically designed for small and mid-sized manufacturers - food processors, cold storage facilities, pharmaceutical plants, plastics manufacturers, and light industry. Our systems deliver 24/7 reliable power at 30–50% less than diesel, with 99%+ uptime guaranteed.

What makes us different is intelligence.

Every InadeAfrica installation comes with our IoT-enabled Energy Intelligence Platform. We don't just install panels—we deploy a network of sensors that monitor solar output, battery levels, load demand, and grid availability in real time. Our AI optimizes when to charge, when to discharge, and how to balance power sources automatically. The system learns each facility's production patterns and predicts energy needs before they arise. Customers get a real-time dashboard showing consumption, savings, and system health—complete visibility and control.

This means predictive maintenance that catches problems before they cause downtime. Intelligent load balancing that maximizes solar use and minimizes waste. And automated switching between power sources based on cost, reliability, and weather conditions. It's not just renewable energy—it's smart renewable energy that actively works to keep production running.

Our business model meets customers where they are.

We offer flexible commercial structures, including Power Purchase Agreements, co-financing (customers invest 40–60% and own the asset), and full-service subscriptions with zero upfront cost. This removes the capital barrier that has kept quality solar out of reach for most Nigerian businesses.

With pilot contracts closing now and a roadmap to 100 installations over the next three years, we're building the commercial engine to scale. Every installation we complete transforms a manufacturing operation, creates jobs, and unlocks economic productivity across Nigeria.

The Role

This is a founding team position. You'll build our sales function from scratch—prospecting, closing, and developing the processes that will scale with us. You'll work directly with the founder, shape our go-to-market strategy, and eventually build and lead the commercial team.

If you're energized by ambiguity, motivated by ownership, and ready to sell a product with undeniable ROI, keep reading.

What You'll Do

Sales & Business Development (60%)

• Build and manage a pipeline of 20+ qualified industrial prospects (manufacturers, food processors, cold storage)
• Conduct energy audits, site assessments, and needs analysis
• Develop and present customized proposals showing ROI and cost savings
• Navigate complex B2B sales cycles (4-9 months) with C-suite executives
• Close deals across multiple commercial models (purchase, PPA, lease)
• Target: Close $800k-$1.5M in Year 1, scaling to $2M-$3M in Year 2

Strategy & Market Development (25%)

• Help shape go-to-market strategy and identify the highest-potential customer segments
• Build strategic partnerships with industry associations (MAN) and distributors
• Develop sales collateral, pitch decks, case studies, and ROI calculators
• Provide market intelligence on competitive dynamics, pricing, and customer needs

Process & Team Building (15%)

• Document repeatable sales processes and best practices
• Set up CRM systems and establish pipeline management discipline
• Build foundation for future team expansion (hiring your first BDE in 12-18 months)

Who You Are

Must-Haves (Non-Negotiable):

✓ Proven B2B Sales Track Record: 5-10 years closing complex, high-value deals ($100k+ average deal size) | Consistently met or exceeded quota (150%+ achievement) | Can provide specific examples with numbers

✓ Independent Closer: Hunter mentality with ability to close deals autonomously | Comfortable with long sales cycles (4-12 months) | Can navigate C-suite stakeholders and multi-stakeholder decision processes

✓ Financial & Business Acumen: Can build ROI models and discuss NPV, IRR, payback periods with CFOs | Understands client economics and business decision drivers | Speaks the language of finance executives

✓ Excellent Communicator: Can simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical executives | Confident presenting to C-suite | Strong written and verbal communication skills

✓ Nigerian Business Context: Deep understanding of Nigerian B2B sales landscape and business dynamics | Existing network or proven ability to build relationships quickly | Cultural fluency in Nigerian business dealings

✓ Learning Agility: Fast learner who can quickly master new industries and technical concepts | Demonstrated ability to adapt to different sectors | Intellectually curious and asks smart questions

Strong Preferences (Not Deal-Breakers):

• Industry Experience: Background in energy, industrial equipment, technical B2B solutions, infrastructure, or capital equipment sales strongly preferred but not required

• Manufacturing Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with Nigerian manufacturing landscape, challenges, and key players is a plus

• Technical Aptitude: Engineering or technical background helpful | Comfortable learning renewable energy concepts

• Startup Experience: Has worked in early-stage companies | Comfortable building processes from scratch | Thrives in ambiguity

Mindset & Personal Attributes:

Entrepreneurial self-starter who takes ownership | Resilient and persistent (rejection doesn't discourage you) | Coachable with a growth mindset | High integrity and ethical standards | Passionate about renewable energy and African industrial development | Comfortable wearing multiple hats in a startup environment

What We Offer

Compensation: Competitive base salary + aggressive 2-3% commission structure | Equity/stock options (0.5-2%) for the right candidate | Total package aligned with impact and experience

Benefits: Transport allowance | Work device | Professional development budget

Opportunity: Build commercial function from the ground up | Significant equity upside | Path to Head of Sales/CCO as we scale | Direct impact on company direction | Sell a product with undeniable ROI

Impact: Every installation transforms manufacturing operations and unlocks economic productivity across Nigeria.

Success in Year One

Months 1-3: Build a pipeline of 30+ qualified prospects, complete 20+ discovery meetings, submit 5+ proposals.

Months 4-6: Close 1-2 pilot contracts, establish sales process and CRM discipline.

Months 7-12: Close 3-5 additional deals, develop customer case studies, and document the playbook for scaling.

How to Apply

Email: join-us@inade.africa Subject: Commercial Lead - [Your Name]

Include:

1. Your CV highlighting your biggest sales wins (with numbers)
2. Brief cover letter addressing: Why you + Why InadeAfrica + Why now
3. One paragraph describing your most complex sale - the challenge, your approach, and the outcome

InadeAfrica is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates across all backgrounds.

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