Strategic Commercial Manager (Utilities - IPP/IWP)

About the role

Black Pearl is recruiting, on behalf of a leading utility organization in the UAE, a strategic Market Manager for electricity and water markets. The role monitors and analyzes electricity and water markets, supports long-term demand and supply planning, evaluates market opportunities and engages with key stakeholders across the utility value chain. It plays a key part in market development, utility reforms and future generation and water production strategies. Candidates with experience with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Independent Water Producers (IWPs), utility operators, regulators, transmission companies or procurement entities are particularly sought after.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze electricity and water market trends, industry developments and regulatory changes.
• Conduct market intelligence, benchmarking and economic analysis to support strategic decisions.
• Evaluate opportunities in power generation, water production, renewable energy and infrastructure investment.
• Support demand forecasting, capacity planning and resource adequacy assessments.
• Analyze supply-demand dynamics and identify future market requirements.
• Engage with IPPs, IWPs, regulators, government entities and industry stakeholders on market development.
• Support commercial assessments of new power generation and desalination projects.
• Review market frameworks, procurement models and industry best practices.
• Prepare market reports, presentations, business cases and recommendations for senior management.
• Monitor utility reforms, energy transition initiatives and emerging technologies.
• Support strategic planning on supply security, sustainability and growth.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, Energy Management, Finance, Business Administration or a related field; Master's degree advantageous.
• Minimum 8-12 years of experience in utilities, energy, power or water sectors.
• Proven experience in market analysis, market development, energy economics, utility planning, commercial strategy or regulatory environments.
• Experience with IPPs, IWPs, utility authorities, power and water procurement entities, transmission and distribution companies and energy and water regulators.

Required skills

• Knowledge of PPAs, WPAs, utility market structures and tariff frameworks.
• Strong analytical, commercial and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent presentation, reporting and communication abilities.